Private visa service, not the Chinese Embassy. British passport? You can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. Check if you need a visaMon–Fri 9am–4pm · Manchester 0161 956 2003 · London 020 7205 2282
China Visa Expert, corporate and business travel services, home

China cruise visa from the UKfor cruise passengers.

Taking a cruise that stops in China? Many cruise passengers don’t need a China cruise visa at all. We check your itinerary first and, if you do need a visa, prepare it for you.

Start China cruise visa application Call 0161 956 2003
  • Often visa-freeDepending on your passport and route
  • L visaIf you do need one
  • £301Standard, all in
  • £357Express, all in

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Ways to visit China on a cruise

Visa-free for British citizens

Up to 30 days until 31 December 2026, for tourism.

Cruise group visa-free entry

Foreign tour groups on cruises organised by Chinese travel agencies can visit approved cruise ports visa-free.

240-hour transit

For some itineraries that continue to a third country.

China tourist visa

When none of the above fits your trip.

Not covered by visa-free cruise entry

  • Leaving your cruise group, if you entered under the group policy
  • Staying in China after the cruise without a visa
  • Work or business

Documents you’ll need

DocumentDetailsNeeded
PassportYour original passport, valid for at least 6 months after you arrive, with at least 2 blank visa pages, plus a copy of the photo page.Required
PhotoOne recent colour photo, 33 × 48 mm, on a plain white background, no glasses, face and ears clearly visible. We check it before your appointment.Required
Online application formThe official Chinese visa application form, completed and printed with its confirmation page.We prepare
Cruise bookingYour confirmation and itinerary, showing each port in China.Required
Return or onward travelFlights or travel after the cruise.Required
UK residence statusIf you’re not a British citizen: your UK visa, BRP or eVisa share code page showing you live here legally.If applicable

Upload them from your phone. We check every document and resize it to the official limits before we submit.

Only needed if you apply for a visa. Send us your itinerary first and we’ll tell you whether you need one.

  1. 1

    Apply online

    Answer a few questions and upload your passport, photo and documents.

  2. 2

    We check and book

    We complete the official form, check every document and book your appointment.

  3. 3

    Visit the visa centre

    Hand in your passport and give fingerprints in London, Manchester or Edinburgh.

  4. 4

    Collect your visa

    Your passport comes back with the visa inside, usually within 3 to 4 working days.

Rules to know before you travel

British passport? You may not need a visa

Until 31 December 2026, British citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges and transit. You still need a visa for longer stays, work, study or journalism. Check if you need a visa

Cruise group visa-free entry

China lets foreign tour groups on cruise ships, organised by a Chinese travel agency, enter visa-free at approved cruise ports, including Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Sanya. You must stay with the group and leave on the ship. Ask your cruise line whether your shore excursions are arranged this way.

Passport rules

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you enter China and have at least two blank visa pages. If yours is close to expiry, renew it first.

Multiple Chinese ports or Hong Kong

If your cruise calls at several ports, or at Hong Kong or Macau between mainland ports, you may need a double or multiple entry visa. We check your itinerary port by port.

Need a visa for your team?

We handle China visas for companies of every size, from one-off trips to regular travellers.

Corporate accounts

Fees

The embassy fee and our service fee, shown separately, so you always know where your money goes.

VisaProcessing timeEntriesEmbassy feeOur feeTotal you pay
Standard serviceTourist (L) visa for cruise passengersUsually 4 working daysSingle, double or multiple£151£150£301
Express serviceTourist (L) visa for cruise passengersUsually 3 working daysSingle, double or multiple£182£175£357

Embassy fees shown are those charged by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre to British passport holders, and may differ for other nationalities. They aren’t refundable, even if the visa is refused. Our fee is per person and includes checking your documents, completing the online form and booking your appointment.

Need it quickly? Choose express service when you apply. Tell us your travel date and we’ll tell you the latest day to submit.

Do I need a China cruise visa?

It depends on your passport and your route. British citizens can currently visit China visa-free for up to 30 days, until 31 December 2026. Passengers on group shore excursions organised through Chinese travel agencies may also enter visa-free. If neither applies, or your trip continues after 31 December 2026, you need a China tourist visa, often with double or multiple entries.

Applying for a China cruise visa

A China cruise visa is a tourist (L) visa. You need your passport, a photo, the online form and your cruise booking and itinerary. We check each port, choose the right number of entries and book your visa centre appointment.

Related pages

Tourist visa (L)Visa-free for British citizens240-hour visa-free transit

Questions people ask

Do British cruise passengers need a visa for China?

Until 31 December 2026, British citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, which covers most cruises.

What if my cruise visits Hong Kong between Chinese ports?

Leaving the mainland uses an entry, so you may need a double or multiple entry visa. We’ll check your itinerary.

Is there a special China cruise visa?

No, cruise passengers who need a visa apply for a tourist (L) visa.

How long does a China visa take?

The visa centre usually processes standard applications in 4 working days and express applications in 3 working days, after your appointment. Allow extra time to prepare and book the appointment.

Ready when you are

Start online in about 10 minutes, or call us if you’d rather talk first.

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