China Visa for UK eVisa Holders

Q: Do all UK residents need a visa for China?

Yes. Almost all nationalities need a visa for mainland China. The 144-hour transit visa exemption allows short stays without a visa in designated cities.

Q: What is the 144-hour transit exemption?

Travellers from 54 countries (including UK) can stay up to 144 hours without a visa when transiting through Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other designated cities. Must have confirmed onward ticket to a third country.

Q: How much does a China visa cost?

Standard (4 days): £151 for British nationals. Express (2-3 days): £182. Rush (1 day): £208. Non-British passports may differ.

Q: Is Hong Kong the same visa?

No. Hong Kong and Macau have separate policies. British passport holders visit Hong Kong visa-free for 180 days. A China visa is not required for HK/Macau.

Q: Can I use a VPN in China?

Most VPN services are blocked. Download and configure before arrival. Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WhatsApp are all blocked in mainland China.

Q: Do I need hotel bookings?

Yes. You need accommodation proof for your entire stay or an invitation letter from a Chinese host plus their ID copy.

Complete 2026 guide to Chinese tourist visas and transit exemptions

All UK residents need a visa for mainland China. Apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Standard fee: £151. 144-hour transit exemption available for short visits.

China Visa Overview

China requires visas for almost all foreign visitors. The L visa (tourist) is the most common type. A 144-hour transit visa exemption programme allows stays without visa in many major cities for travellers with onward tickets to third countries.

L Visa (Tourist)

Detail	Information
Cost (British)	£151 standard / £182 express / £208 rush
Processing	Standard: 4 working days
Validity	3-6 months
Entry type	Single, double, or multiple
Max stay	30-90 days per entry

144-Hour Transit Exemption

Detail	Information
Cost	Free
Max stay	144 hours (6 days)
Eligible cities	Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, 20+ more
Requirements	Confirmed onward ticket to third country
Eligible	54 countries including UK, most EU, US, Canada, Australia

How to Apply

Complete the online application at bio.visaforchina.cn. Select UK.
Print the completed form and sign it.
Book an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.
Attend in person with all documents. Biometrics (fingerprints) collected.
Pay the fee at the centre (cash or card).
Collect passport after 4-7 working days or request postal return.

Required Documents

Required Documents Checklist

Valid passport with 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages

Completed online application form (printed and signed)

One recent passport photo (48x33mm, white background, China-specific format)

UK eVisa share code printout

Flight bookings (return/onward)

Hotel bookings for entire stay

If visiting friends/family: invitation letter + their Chinese ID copy

Bank statements (3 months)

Employment letter

Travel itinerary showing daily plans

Avoid travelling during Chinese New Year (late Jan/Feb) and National Day Golden Week (Oct 1-7). Transport and hotels extremely crowded and expensive.

How Nationality Affects Your Visa

Detail	Information
British	£151 standard. Single/double entry. 30-day stay.
Indian	~£100-120. Similar process. 30 days.
Pakistani	Friendship arrangement with China. Generally easier process.
US nationals	$140 for 10-year multiple entry (reciprocal).
EU nationals	Fees vary. Generally £60-80.

Visa Application Centres

Detail	Information
London	12 Old Jewry, EC2R 8DN (Mon-Fri 9:00-15:00)
Manchester	The Chancery, 58 Spring Gardens, M2 1EW
Edinburgh	40 Hanover Street, EH2 2DR

Photo requirements: China has strict specifications different from UK passport photos. Must be 48x33mm, white background, with specific head size requirements. Use specialist or photo service at the visa centre.

Top Destinations

Beijing

The Great Wall (Mutianyu section recommended), Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square. Direct flights: ~10 hours.

Shanghai

China's financial capital. The Bund waterfront, Yu Garden, French Concession, Pudong skyline, and world-class shopping.

Xi'an

Terracotta Warriors, ancient city walls (13km circuit you can cycle), Muslim Quarter food street. Start of the ancient Silk Road.

Guilin & Yangshuo

Dramatic karst scenery along the Li River. River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo for iconic landscapes. Excellent cycling and rock climbing.

Chengdu

Giant panda research base. Also famous for fiery Sichuan cuisine, the world's spiciest food culture.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (Apr-May): Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Best overall weather. Avoid Oct 1-7 (National Day — massive domestic travel).
Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold in north, mild in south. Chinese New Year is busy.
Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid in most of China.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all UK residents need a visa for China?

What is the 144-hour transit exemption?

How much does a China visa cost?

Is Hong Kong the same visa?

Can I use a VPN in China?

Do I need hotel bookings?

Last updated: March 2026. Always verify entry requirements with the relevant embassy or official government website before booking travel.