Which China visa do I need?
Choose by the main reason for your trip:
- Holidays and sightseeing: China tourist visa (L)
- Business meetings, trade fairs and sales: China business visa (M)
- Exchanges, study tours and non-commercial visits: China F visa
- Working in China: China work visa (Z)
- Studying in China: China student visa (X1 and X2)
- Visiting family who are Chinese citizens: China family visa (Q1 and Q2)
- Visiting family who work or study in China: China S visa
- Passing through China: China transit visa (G)
How a China visa application works in the UK
You complete the official online form, book an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, and attend in person to hand in your passport and give fingerprints. The visa is printed into your passport, which you collect when it’s ready.
We do the hard part: choosing the right visa, completing the form, checking every document and booking the appointment. Most rejected China visa applications come down to small mistakes in the form, the photo or the supporting letters.
China visa requirements for UK residents
Every China visa needs a passport valid for at least six months with two blank visa pages, a recent photo meeting the Chinese rules and the completed online form. Most types also need a supporting document, such as hotel bookings, an invitation letter or a work permit notification. If you’re not a British citizen, you’ll also need proof that you live in the UK legally.
Do British citizens need a China visa right now?
Until 31 December 2026, British passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit. For longer trips, work, study or journalism you still need a China visa. Read our visa-free guide.