Planning to travel to China? Understanding visa requirements is key to a smooth trip. This guide covers everything from the basics (valid passport, application form, photo) to specific rules for minors, dual nationals, and first-time applicants. Learn about required supporting documents, such as flight reservations or invitation letters, handling fees, and the latest 240-hour transit visa exemption policy. Whether you're travelling to China for tourism, business, or family reasons, follow the steps below to avoid delays and ensure your application is successful.
China's 240-hour transit visa-free policy (144h➡240h)
The Chinese Immigration Administration issued an announcement on December 17, 2024, to fully relax and optimize the transit visa-free policy from now on, extending the stay time of foreigners in the country from the original 72 hours and 144 hours (6 days) to 240 hours (10 days). At the same time, 21 new ports have been added as entry and exit ports for transit visa-free personnel, and the stay area has been further expanded, including 54 eligible countries such as the United Kingdom.
When transiting through China to a third country (region), you can enter China from any of 60 open ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and stay in the designated area for no more than 240 hours.
The 240-hour transit visa-free policy applies to 19 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Heilongjiang, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Chongqing, Sichuan, Yunnan and Shaanxi. Five new provinces have been added, namely Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Hainan and Guizhou, totalling 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities).
Among the 5 newly added provinces, the stay and activity areas for transit visa-free personnel in Anhui, Hainan and Guizhou are the entire province, the stay and activity areas in Shanxi are Taiyuan and Datong, and the stay and activity areas in Jiangxi are Nanchang and Jingdezhen. The scope of stay and activities in Fujian, Hubei and Shaanxi provinces has been expanded to the entire province, and the scope of stay and activities in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region has been expanded to the administrative areas of 12 cities including Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou, Beihai, Fangchenggang, Qinzhou, Guigang, Yulin, Hezhou, Hechi and Laibin.
Foreigners coming to China through the transit visa exemption policy can travel across provinces within the areas where the above-mentioned 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) allow stay and activities.
UK passport holders can enjoy short stays in China without a visa under the 240h-hour transit policy. Perfect for layovers or quick trips, this lets you explore cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou for up to 10 days (240 hours).
What You Need:
- 🛂 Valid UK passport (with 3+ months’ validity).
- 🎫 Booked onward ticket to another country (e.g., UK → Shanghai → Japan).
No visa fees or extra paperwork – ideal for sightseeing, business meetings, or short stops.
Important Notes:
- Check your entry city’s rules (not all cities offer 240 hours).
- Policies may change – confirm requirements before travelling.
Based on 2025 guidelines. Always verify latest rules with official sources.
China Visa Basic Requirements
You’ll need the following to apply for a Chinese visa:
- Valid passport
- Must be valid for at least 6 months from your planned entry date.
- Must have 2 blank visa pages.
- If you have dual/multiple nationalities, provide all original passports.
- Provide expired passports if you’ve had them before.
- Completed visa application form
- Fill in online, print, and sign.
- Attach 2 recent colour photos (48mm x 33mm, white background, no head covering).
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Check Required Documents
Prepare the following:
1. Passport
- Original passport: Valid for 6+ months with 2 blank visa pages.
- Photocopy: Data page (photo, personal details, signature).
- Dual nationals: Submit all valid passports. Previous passports may also be required.
2. Visa Application Form & Photo
- Online form: Complete on the China Visa Application Service Centre website.
- Photo: 1 recent colour photo (48x33mm, white background, no head covering).
- Print and sign: Pages 1 and 6 of the application form.
3. Proof of UK Residency
- Required if you’re not a UK citizen (e.g., BRP card, work/study visa).
4. Travel Plans
- Flight + hotel booking (round trip) OR
- Invitation letter from China:
- Include inviter’s ID/passport copy and their contact details.
- Must list your travel dates, destinations, and accommodation.
5. Previous Chinese Visas/Passports
- Previous visas: Photocopy of your latest Chinese visa (if applicable).
- Former Chinese citizens: Provide old Chinese passport + naturalisation documents.
6. For Under-18s
- Birth certificate: In English/Chinese with parents’ names.
- Parents’ consent: Signed by both parents/guardians (or one parent with a consent letter).
- Non-UK parents: Provide proof of UK legal status (e.g., visa, residence permit).
Step 2: Submit Your Application
- No appointment needed: Visit the London Visa Centre during office hours.
- Bring:
- Printed/signed application form + photo.
- Passport + photocopies.
- All supporting documents (see above).
At the Visa Centre:
- Collect a queue number.
- Submit documents + provide fingerprints (if aged 14–70).
- Pay fees (see below).
Friendly reminder: Avoid peak times (e.g., mornings) to reduce wait periods.
Step 3: Pay Fees
Below is the fee structure for Chinese visa applications processed in the UK (VAT inclusive):
1. Visa Fees
| Regular (4 days) | Express (3 days) | Urgent (2 days) | |
Up to 2-Year | £130 | £161 | £182 |
5-Year | £194 | £225 | £246 |
10-Year | £257 | £288 | £309 |
2. Service Fees
| Service Type | Fee |
Regular (4 working days) | £66.00 |
Express (3 working days) | £78.00 |
Urgent (2 working days) | £90.00 |
Passport Post Back | £90.00 |
This fee is based on official requirements as of 2025. Always verify details before applying.
Step 4: Track & Collect Visa
- Track online: Use the 24-hour portal on the Visa Centre website.
- Collect:
- Bring your pick-up form and payment receipt.
- Check visa details carefully (name, dates, entries). Report errors immediately.
Late collection: Unclaimed passports are sent to the Chinese Embassy after 365 days.
Key Tips
- Apply 1 month before travel (not earlier than 3 months).
- Double-check all documents for accuracy.
- First-time applicants: Allow extra processing time.
For updates, visit the China Visa Application Service Centre.
China Visa Requirements FAQs
Do I need a visa to visit China?
Yes, unless you qualify for visa-free transit (e.g., 144-hour rule).
Can I get a visa on arrival?
No – apply in advance via a Visa Centre.
What’s the 144-hour rule?
Transit without visa for up to 6 days in certain cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
How long can I stay in China?
Depends on visa type (e.g., tourist visas usually allow 30-90 days).
Is China issuing tourist visas now?
Yes – applications are open.
How fast can I get a visa?
Standard processing takes 4 working days.
Secrets to a Successful China Visa Application
- Ensure passport has 6+ months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Submit a 48x33mm white-background photo (no headwear).
- Complete the online form truthfully; details must match all documents.
- Provide flight/hotel bookings or a detailed invitation letter.
- Apply 1–3 months early; avoid peak periods.
- Attend fingerprinting if aged 14–70.
- Double-check requirements for your visa type (tourist, business, etc.).
- Avoid errors – small mistakes cause delays.
- Confirm latest rules before submitting.
For updates, check the China Visa Application Service Centre website.
This guide is based on official requirements as of 2025. Always verify details before applying.