British citizens can generally visit China without a visa

As of 2026-09-22

Up to 30 days per entry visa-free stay (verify entry conditions before travel)

Processing: Not applicable
Fee: Free
Max Stay: 30 days per entry
Apply At: Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Belfast) →

Last updated: 2026-09-22 • Information may change—always verify with official sources.

China Visa Overview for British Citizens

British citizens can visit China without a visa for tourism purposes. Visa-free for up to 30 days per entry since 17 February 2026 under China's unilateral policy, in force until 24:00 on 31 December 2026 (NIA list of 17 February 2026): business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchanges or transit. Days count from the day after entry; multiple entries, no cumulative cap. Work, study and journalism still need a visa. The maximum permitted stay is 30 days per entry.

While no visa is required, British passport holders must carry a valid passport and may be asked to present proof of onward travel, accommodation bookings, and evidence of sufficient funds at the border.

Ensure your British passport has adequate validity before departure — most countries require at least 6 months beyond the planned stay. Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before flying to the US — use only the official CBP website to avoid scam sites.

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Available Visa Types for British Citizens

Visa-Free Entry (30 Days)

Citizens of 50 countries under the unilateral policy to 31 December 2026, plus Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the UAE and others under treaties: 30 days per entry for tourism, business, visits, exchanges or transit

None: present your passport at the borderFree

240-Hour Visa-Free Transit

Citizens of 57 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Indonesia and Vietnam, transiting to a third country through 65 ports in 24 provinces: up to ten days

Granted at the port of entryFree

Tourist (L) Visa

The standard visa for a holiday or a visit to friends, applied for online through COVA and lodged at a visa application centre or mission

4 working days standardBy nationality: US$140, £64, Rs2,900, NGN 10,500; 25% reduced to 31 Dec 2026

Business (M) Visa

For commercial and trade activities on the invitation of a Chinese company, with the same fee schedule as the tourist visa and multi-year validity for some nationalities

4 working days standardSame schedule as the L visa

How to Apply

Verify your British passport has at least 6 months validity beyond your planned departure from China

Book your flights and accommodation

Prepare proof of onward/return travel and sufficient funds

Arrive in China — you may stay for up to 30 days per entry without a visa

Present your passport at immigration and receive an entry stamp

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Rules for every traveller

Border documents, stay conditions and the mistakes that get travellers refused are the same whatever your passport. Read them in the China visa guide.

Important Notes for British Applicants

British ordinary passport holders can enter China visa-free from 17 February 2026 to 31 December 2026 for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchange or transit.
Visa-free stay is limited to 30 days per entry — overstaying may result in fines, deportation, or future entry bans
Visa-free entry is for tourism and short business visits only — working or studying requires a separate permit
Take out travel insurance for Europe — post-Brexit, your access to reciprocal healthcare via GHIC is limited

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do British citizens need a visa for China?

No, British citizens can generally visit China without a visa for tourism purposes. The typical maximum stay is 30 days per entry. Verify current conditions before travel.

How long can British citizens stay in China?

British citizens can typically stay up to 30 days per entry without a visa. Extensions may be available at local immigration offices. Always verify the duration stamped in your passport at entry.