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
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China S visa from the UKfor family of foreigners in China.

The China S visa is for visiting or joining family members who are foreign nationals working or studying in China: S2 for short visits and S1 for longer stays. We prepare your China S visa application and check every document.

Start China S visa application Call 0161 956 2003
  • S1 or S2Long stay or short visit
  • InvitationFrom your family member in China
  • £301Standard, all in
  • £357Express, all in

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What a China S visa covers

Joining a partner or parent

Living with a family member who works or studies in China (S1).

Family visits

Short visits to them (S2).

Private matters

S2 can also cover other private matters.

Not covered by a China S visa

  • Visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens, which needs a Q visa
  • Work
  • Study

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
Invitation letterFrom your family member in China, with your details, the purpose and dates, and their signature.Required
Inviter’s passport and residence permitCopies of the photo page and their Chinese residence permit.Required
Proof of relationshipMarriage or birth certificate.Required
Previous Chinese visasA copy of your last Chinese visa, if you’ve had one. Former Chinese citizens need extra documents, which we’ll explain.If applicable
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.

All documents must be in English or Chinese. Upload them from your phone and we check every one before your appointment.

  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

You apply in person at a visa centre

Chinese visas are submitted at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre. In the UK there are centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. We complete your form and book your appointment, and you attend to hand in your passport and give fingerprints.

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.

Residence permit after you arrive

This visa lets you enter China. To stay longer, you apply for a residence permit at the local public security bureau, usually within 30 days of arriving.

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 serviceFamily of foreigners (S1 or S2) visaUsually 4 working daysSingle, double or multiple£151£150£301
Express serviceFamily of foreigners (S1 or S2) visaUsually 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.

S1 or S2: which China S visa do I need?

  • S1 visa: for husbands, wives, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law of foreigners working or studying in China, staying more than 180 days.
  • S2 visa: for short visits of up to 180 days to family members who work or study in China, or for other private matters.

China S visa requirements

You need the invitation letter, copies of your family member’s passport and Chinese residence permit, and proof of your relationship. If your family member is moving to China on a work visa, you can usually apply once their residence permit is issued.

Related pages

Family visa (Q1, Q2)Work visa (Z)

Questions people ask

Who can get an S1 visa?

The husband or wife, parents, children under 18 and parents-in-law of a foreigner working or studying in China.

Can I work on a China S visa?

No. You’d need your own work 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.

Do I need to go to the visa centre?

Yes. Most applicants aged 14 to 70 must attend in person to give fingerprints. We prepare everything and book the appointment, so your visit is quick.

Ready when you are

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

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