Getting a visa for China is a crucial step for UK business professionals planning to engage with China’s dynamic market. This guide provides an overview of who requires a visa, outlines the application process, highlights visa-free policies, and offers essential tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Who needs a visa for China?
UK citizens must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China. This requirement applies to various purposes, including business activities, tourism, and visiting family or friends. It’s important to note that visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao differ from those of mainland China.
Where and how to get a visa for China
Visa for China are applied for via the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASCs). All applicants should prepare any supporting documents (e.g. passport, photograph) and fill in a visa application form online, before proceeding to an application centre (located in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast) to submit the application, pay any fees and provide biometric data (fingerprints) if required.
The types of supporting documents vary depending on the type of visa. For example, applicants for a tourist or ‘L’ visa will need to provide a travel itinerary, while applications for a business or ‘M’ visa will need to provide an invitation letter from with a business entity in China. See here for more information about the types of visas and supporting documents.
Fees vary depending on the type and duration of the visa. For UK citizens, a standard single-entry visa costs £130, while multiple-entry visas valid for five and 10 years are also available (see here for a full breakdown of fees). Express and urgent processing services are available at higher fees.
Does everyone need a visa for China?
While most travellers require a visa, China has implemented certain visa-free policies that may benefit UK business professionals:
144-hour visa-free transit: As of December 2024, China expanded its visa-free transit policy, allowing citizens from 54 countries, including the UK, to stay in select regions for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country. This policy applies to entry through 60 designated ports across 24 provinces. To qualify, travellers must have a confirmed onward ticket to a third country and meet other specific criteria.
Hainan province: Since May 2018, Hainan Island offers 30-day visa-free entry for citizens from 59 countries, including the UK, for purposes such as business, family visits, medical treatment, and tourism. Travellers can enter via direct flights or through Hong Kong or Macao.
Hong Kong and Macao: UK passport holders can enter Hong Kong and Macao visa-free for stays of up to 90 days. However, if you plan to travel from these regions into mainland China, a separate visa is required.
It’s advisable to consult the latest information from official sources or your travel provider before planning your trip, as visa policies can change.
Additional considerations
Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay and contains sufficient blank pages for visas and entry stamps.
Registration upon arrival: Foreigners staying in private accommodations must register with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels typically handle this registration for their guests.
Compliance with visa conditions: Adhere strictly to the conditions of your visa. Overstaying or violating visa terms can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
For the most up-to-date information, always check the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or the UK government travel advice before making travel plans.
