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 transit visa from the UK(G visa).

The China transit visa, known as the G visa, is for passing through China on the way to another country. Many travellers don’t need one, so we check first, then prepare your China transit visa application if you do.

Start China transit visa application Call 0161 956 2003
  • G visaTransit through China
  • Onward ticketTo a third country
  • £301Standard, all in
  • £357Express, all in

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What a China transit visa covers

Stopovers

Leaving the airport during a connection.

Overland transit

Passing through by land or sea.

Not covered by a China transit visa

  • Tourism as the main purpose
  • Business
  • Long stays

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
Onward ticketConfirmed ticket from China to a third country.Required
Destination visaA visa for your next country, if it needs one.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

Check the visa-free transit rules first

Many nationalities, including British citizens, can transit China without a visa for up to 240 hours through approved ports. Read our 240-hour transit guide.

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.

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 serviceTransit (G) visaUsually 4 working daysSingle or double entry£151£150£301
Express serviceTransit (G) visaUsually 3 working daysSingle or double entry£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 transit visa?

Usually not if you stay airside during a short connection. British citizens can also use the 240-hour visa-free transit through approved ports, or visa-free entry for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026. A China transit visa is useful if your route doesn’t fit those rules.

China transit visa requirements

You need your passport, a photo, the completed form, your confirmed onward ticket to a third country and, if that country needs one, its visa.

Related pages

240-hour visa-free transitVisa-free for British citizens

Questions people ask

Can I leave the airport during a transit in China?

With visa-free transit or a China transit visa, yes. Check that your airport and route qualify.

Is Hong Kong a third country for transit?

For transit rules, Hong Kong and Macau count as separate destinations, so China to Hong Kong can qualify.

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.

Start China transit visa application Call 0161 956 2003
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