tourist visa to china from uk 2023

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Latest UK-China travel updates – flights, entry requirements and visa processes

Following the relaxing of pandemic-related travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements for inbound travellers, British and Chinese airlines are resuming their regular services to China for the first time in over two years.

The British Chamber looks forward to increased business engagement in 2023 as a result of these changes – read on to find out more about the latest flights available, entry policies and visa requirements.

Flights between the UK and China increasing

British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic have both announced that they will reinstate their daily flights to China – BA’s flight Shanghai-bound flight will depart from Heathrow on 23 April, while Beijing-bound flights will begin from 3 June, operating four flights a week.

Virgin Atlantic will also resume flights to Shanghai, with the first flight leaving on 1 May. Several Chinese airlines are also operating direct flights to China, including Air China (to Beijing), China Southern (to Guangzhou), and China Eastern (to Shanghai).

There are of course many other flight routes to China involving transfer via Europe, Hong Kong, or other destinations – if taking a non-direct route, please note pandemic/visa requirements in the transit country as well.

Click here to read more about the new flights (in English), or visit airlines’ websites directly for full ticketing information.

Entry requirements to China

As of 8 January 2023, all travellers to China need a negative PCR test to enter the country – this should be done within 48 hours of your flight TO CHINA  – please note these timings if you are transiting through a third country. Tests are available at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh airports, or you can search for a local provider. Companies such as Randox have multiple locations across the UK providing PCR tests for travel – click here to read the full list of Randox testing locations.

This test result will be checked upon your departure from the UK, and a physical printout is recommended. You will also be asked to fill in a Health Declaration Form from China Customs on arrival in China – a QR code will be available to scan and complete this form upon arrival.

Please note all children over 2 years old also require a negative PCR test result.

Entry requirements to the UK

If you are travelling to the UK from China, you are also required to take a pre-departure Covid test (as of 5 January 2023) for anyone aged 12 and over. Please note the test result must include ENGLISH translation – please check in advance with your local hospitals to find one which can provide testing in English.

The test can be either printed or in the form of an email or text message – to read the full list of requirements, please click here to visit the UK government website.

Visa requirements

Getting a chinese visa as a uk national.

Applications for business visas, work visas and other visa types are open, although tourist visas remain unavailable for the time being.

The UK has Chinese visa centres in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. After making an online application, applicants will be required to attend the visa centre in person and have their fingerprints collected (excepting children 13 and under, and adults 70 and over).

To find out more about Chinese visa requirements and to apply directly, click here to see the latest announcement from the Chinese Embassy in the UK (updated on 8 January 2023).

Getting a visa for the United Kingdom as a Chinese national

The visa type you need will depend on the purpose and length of your stay – the UK government has a tool on their website for you to check the visa type you need to apply for. There are 15 UK visa centres in China; please note you will need to apply online and confirm your appointment before attending in person.

Click here to find out more about how to get a UK visa – guidance available in Chinese once you select which visa you are applying for. To find out where your nearest UK visa centre is and what you need to bring, please click here .

Please note that this article is up-to-date as of its publication on 6 February 2023. Travel requirements may change at any moment – we recommend you follow the links provided in this article to the UK government websites and Chinese Embassy in the UK for the most up-to-date information.

If you or your business are facing any issues with flights, visas or entry requirements, please let us know at:

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Could UK visitors be granted visa-free entry to China?

China recently granted visa-free entry to citizens of six countries. but why was the uk left off the list.

On 24 November 2023, China announced a new visa-free entry policy for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, effective from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024. This policy allows for business and tourism for up to 15 days per entry.

The timing of this announcement and the countries selected have prompted speculation. Apart from Malaysia, which on 26 November announced that Chinese tourists could visit the country visa-free for 30 days, none of the other countries have reciprocal visa-free agreements in place for Chinese visitors.

Nevertheless, the announcement roughly coincided with a meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, and comes ahead of a scheduled EU-China Summit in early December. These events aim to improve relations and facilitate travel for foreign investors from European countries, aligning with China’s broader strategy to attract investors and strengthen economic ties in the face of an economic slowdown and a decrease in foreign investment.

The move is part of the gradual softening of China’s entry requirements following the lifting of its Covid-era restrictions in early 2023. China resumed its pre-Covid visa and entry policies in March 2023, including the 144-hour visa-free transit policy , which allows foreign travellers transiting through the country to enjoy a six-day stay in certain Chinese cities without a visa. Later, in September 2023, the country rolled out simplifications to its visa application form, reducing the amount of information related to educational background, family members, and travel history applicants need to provide.

It is hoped that this latest move will serve as a trial for wider visa-free entry policies, and that more countries will be added to the exemption in the future.

There has been no indication of if or when UK visitors can expect the same visa-free entry, and the British government has made no specific comment on the announcement. Relations between the UK and China have cooled somewhat in recent years, which could well have pushed the UK further down the list of countries likely to be granted visa-free travel.

Although some have speculated that David Cameron ’s surprise return to government could signify the resumption of a more gung-ho attitude to cooperation with China, at a recent Global Investment Summit at Hampton Court Palace, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that the UK’s ties with China would not return to the so-called ‘Golden Era’, saying that China had changed, and “it’s right that [the UK’s] strategy evolves to take account of that.” Nevertheless, the UK has still been taking steps to strengthen its economic and trade relationship with China, especially following former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly ’s visit to China in August 2023. “The only way to influence China is to engage with China,” Mr Cleverly stressed in a video shared on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) social channels at the time. “That is why I’m here in Beijing. That is why I am meeting with Chinese ministers. That is why diplomacy is so incredibly important.”

In conclusion, while the UK is not included in China’s current visa-free policy, the situation remains dynamic. As recently as October 2023, China removed the requirement to make an appointment to apply for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre and will now allow walk-ins. The ongoing developments in international relations and China’s broader strategy of economic integration and facilitation of global travel could potentially lead to future changes in visa policies for UK travellers. For now, business and other travellers from the UK must adhere to the existing visa application procedures.

Robynne Tindall

Robynne Tindall is FOCUS's Editorial Manager

What are David Cameron’s ties to China?

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Can I travel to China? Travel rules from the UK explained 

By Connor Sturges

In December 2019, a cluster of Chinese citizens in Wuhan reported mysterious flu-like symptoms in what became the start of a pandemic that would change the world as we knew it. Countries closed their borders and leading scientists embarked on a mission to create effective vaccines, leading many travellers to rediscover the wonders on their doorsteps and the concept of the great British staycation .

Fast forward to January 2023, and China is welcoming tourists once again. Hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens will be hoping to travel domestically to join family ahead of Chinese New Year and see in the Year of the Rabbit, while curious international travellers are adding the country to their bucket lists once again for the year ahead.

These are the entry requirements, and the UK government's advice, as of Monday 9 January 2023.

Can I travel to China from the UK, and back again?

Yes, with some restrictions. After almost three years of Covid stalling China’s tourism industry, Thursday 5 January 2023 marked the opening of China’s borders to the world once again. However, as of Monday 9 January 2023, China remains in the midst of a Covid surge, meaning strict rules are in place for travellers wishing to visit the country.

What are the entry requirements for China?

Since international flights to China resumed on Thursday 5 January 2023, all travellers are required to take a pre-departure PCR Covid test in the 48 hours prior to travel. 

Once confirmed, a negative PCR test result can be submitted by filling in a health declaration form on the  China customs website . Negative results can also be submitted on the China customs app or a registered WeChat account. 

Travellers who display symptoms of fever on arrival in China may be asked to take a further antigen test. Self-quarantine will be imposed in the event of a positive test result and mild symptoms, while travellers can be sent to medical institutions for treatment if symptoms are more severe.

The UK government website recommends that all travellers pack a supply of medication to treat flu-like symptoms. It is also recommended that accommodation is stocked with additional food, water and medical supplies in case you are mandated to isolate.

What are the rules on returning to the UK from China?

All travellers aged 12 and over must obtain a negative pre-departure Covid test result no more than two days prior to travelling back from mainland China to the UK. Results are checked by airlines and Border Force officials in the UK. These rules currently apply to travellers on direct and indirect flights, and those arriving in England as a final destination plus anyone transiting through England.

Test results can be provided in the form of a printed document, an email, or text message, and must contain the following information:

• A full name that matches the name on travel documents
• Date of birth or age
• Result of the test
• Date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
• Name of the test provider and their contact details
• Confirmation of the type of test taken, which can be a lateral flow or PCR

NHS-provided tests cannot be used as pre-departure tests. In addition to the required pre-departure tests when returning from mainland China, travellers arriving at London Heathrow Airport may be asked to undertake a voluntary test on arrival, as part of the UK government’s monitoring of potential new variants.

Are there any other entry requirements for travel to China?

According to the latest UK government website, travellers wishing to visit China on a British Citizen passport can do so by:

• Obtaining an “Invitation Letter” or “Verification Confirmation of Invitation” issued by a provincial foreign affairs office or department of commerce (M or F visa)
• Obtaining a “Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit” (Z visa)
• Visiting a family member with a Z, M, or F visa
• Intending to visit a family member who is a Chinese citizen or who holds a Chinese permanent residence permit
• Qualifying for a high-level talent (R) visa
• Qualifying for a transport crew (C) visa

Visa applications must be made, in person, at a Visa Application Centre. Note that biometric data (scanned fingerprints) has to be provided as part of the application process. Chinese Visa Application Centres in London , Manchester and Edinburgh are operating, but with limited opening hours. The Belfast centre remains closed.

More details, including the process for submitting forms for those still eligible, can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

For more information and updated rules, visit the   UK government website before travelling. We also recommend ensuring you have valid   travel insurance with Covid cover before taking any trips.

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How to Get A Chinese Tourist Visa | Application Guide and Tips

Notice on Latest Visa and Entry Policies for Foreigners Entering China - Updated on May 8, 2024 :

1. Breaking News! 15 days visa free for citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg has been extended until December 31, 2025.

2. Hong Kong High-speed Rail West Kowloon Station has been added to Guangdong Province 144-hour transit visa-free.

3. China - Georgia Mutual Exemption of Visa, starting from May 28, 2024.

4. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is newly available for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Read more »

5. Booking of flights and hotels, China itineraries and invitation letters are not required for application of Chinese Tourist Visa for U.S.nationals.

6. 15 Days Visa Exemption Policy is now available for other 6 countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia. Read more »

7. Appointment is not required for visa application in many embassies and consulates.

8. Starting from 00:00 on November 1, 2023, individuals entering or exiting the country are exempt from filling out the "People's Republic of China Health Declaration Card for Entry/Exit."

9. Norway has become the 54th country whose passport holders can transit without visa up to 72/144 hours in China.

10. Starting from August 30, 2023, individuals traveling to China will no longer be required to undergo pre-entry COVID-19 nucleic acid or antigen testing.

11. U.S. citizens holding multi-year multiple-entry visas issued before March 28, 2020, whose visas temporarily lost entry functionality between March 28, 2020, and March 14, 2023, due to the pandemic, are eligible to apply for compensation. Those who choose to apply for compensation will receive a free 3-year multiple-entry visa. Those who choose to waive the compensation can apply for a new 10-year multiple-entry visa at the regular fee.

China Discovery will keep focusing on the updates of the latest Chinese visa and entry policy! You can also call +86 010 12367 (Official telephone number of China National Immigration Administration) to check further information. Welcome to join in our Facebook Groups to catch up with the latest news!

Invitation letter is a vital document for Chinese visa application. If you travel with us, we will not only create a valuable tour for you, but also provide you an invitation letter if you request, which will help you obtain your visa successfully. Start customizing your tour in China now!

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Do I Need a Visa to Travel to China?

A China Tourist Visa (L Visa) is required for normal visit to mainland China. However, special visitors may travel to China without visa, such as, citizens of Singapore, Brunei and Japan could enjoy 15-day “no-visa” China tour, or transit passengers qualified for China’s 72 / 144-Hour Visa-Free Transit. Click Visa Free Policy of China to find out whether you need to get a visa for tour in China.

How Many Times can I Enter China on a Tourist Visa?

China Tourist Visa is divided into three kinds with different number of entries: single entry , double entries and multiple entries . That means you can enter China 1/2/many times during the validity of your China Visa. When applying, you should choose the intended number of entries based on the planed visit. Note that the visa will become invalid if entries have been used up, or the visa has expired.

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What are the Requirements for China Tourist Visa Application?

Chinese Tourist Visa is issued to aliens who plan to visit China for tour. Visitors can apply Chinese Visa from overseas countries, at entry port on arrival or in China . This article mainly offer guide at Chinese Embassy or Consulate abroad. Like all other visa categories, all applicants are required to prepare and submit necessary materials properly and truthfully. Read our step-by-step instruction to China Tourist Visa application below.

Basic Requirements

1. Passport

Original passport with a validity of at least 6 months, and at least one blank visa pages left. Also, make one copy of the data page & photo page, previous visa pages.

If you already use a new passport, a valid Chinese Tourist Visa is still in the old passport, you are allowed to use the two passport together to visit China if your purpose of visit remains the same.

2. China Visa Application Form

Log in the official website of COVA (https://cova.cs.mfa.gov.cn), choose the country and city you will submit application. Create an new China Visa Application Form online, fill in the electronic form step by step, provide all personal information completely and truthfully. After careful check, save and submit the application form. The form cannot be changed once it is submitted. Print the completed form out, sign and date it.

3. Visa Photo

Two recently-taken (within the past 6 months) front passport-size bareheaded color photos. The photos need to taken against a white or light solid background, hatless, frontal view presenting full face. One photo shall be attached on the printed visa application form. China Tourist Visa Photo Requirements, Size >>

Paper Photo Size: 33mm×48mm

Digital Photo Size: horizontal: 354 - 420 pixels, vertical: 472 - 560 pixels

4. Proof of Legal Stay or Residence (apply to outlander applicants)

Provide the original and photocopy of the valid certificate or visa, which shows your legal stay, residence, work and study in the residing country (not in your home country).

China Tourist Visa Application Requirements

Fill in China Tourist Visa Application on Website of CVASC

5. Previous Chinese Passport or Chinese Visa (apply to former Chinese citizens who later joined to foreign nationality)

Submit the original passport and a copy of the passport’s date page, if it’s the first time you apply for a Chinese Visa.

If you once obtained Chinese Visa, and now apply a new one with a new passport, you please provide the photocopy of the previous passport’s date page, and the old Chinese Visa. (Official certificate of name change is needed, if the name on the current passport is not the same on the old passport.) 

Supporting Documents

Relavant travel documents showing the itinerary, including booked refundable round-trip air tickets and hotel reservation record, proposed travel schedules and else materials, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. 

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter

Invitation letter is one of the optional supporting documents for China Tourist Visa Application. To some extent, an Invitation Letter will help to explain your travel purpose, if you are indeed invited to visit China by friends, family or authorized travel agency. The letter should cover the following informations:

a. Information on the applicant (passport number, nationality, full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b. Information on the planned tour (departure and arrival dates, places going to be visited, etc.) 

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (the host company name or inviter’s name, contact telephone number, address, official seal of the unit, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual, and so on.)

Please visit Required & Supporting Documents for China Visa , if you apply for other type of China Visa, such as, China Business Visa, China Work Visa, etc.

China Tourist Visa Invitation Letter (Sample)

How Do I Apply for A Tourist Visa to China?

Once know what documents are needed, let’s move to the most important processes for submission.

STEP 1: Check passport status, make photocopy of data page, used visa pages;

Prepare others travel materials, e.g. flight tickets, hotel booking record, rough travel itinerary, etc. If you have an true and valid invitation letter, provide it as well.

STEP 2: Fill in visa application form , print it out, paste one photo on the paper application form, and sign and write down the submission date;

STEP 3: Make online appointment , if you’re required to submit to China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). Please use the application form ID to schedule appointment in advance.

Else applicants may visit visa section of overseas Chinese Embassy or Consulates during office hours. (you can check updated time on official website)

STEP 4: Bring all prepared documents, visit the right authority, CVASC or Chinese Embassy/Consulatem, wait for your order and submit. Pay visa fees and get a pick-up slip.

STEP 5: Collect passport and Chinese Visa (if granted successfully) back after tracing it has been processed and wait for pick up. With the slip, you may pick it up in person or entrust your friend, family, travel agency for help.

China Visa Service Center in Malaysia

Single-entry China Tourist Visa Issued in Vancouver, Canada (Old Version Used before June 1st 2019)

How Much is A Tourist L Visa for China?

China Tourist Visa Fees and cost differ by nationalities, number of entries and visa services, and where you submit.

* US Passport Holders: USD 140 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Canadian Passport Holders: CAD 100 for (Single/Double/Multiple) China Tourist Visa to 6 months, 1 year and above

* Single-entry Chinese Tourist Group Visa : CAD 40 for Canadians, USD 110 for US Citizens

China Visa Application Fees for Different Nationalities

Note of Payment: ① Embassy and Consulate only accept Master Card, Money Order, Cashier's Check or Company Check. Cash or Personal checks are not acceptable. ② China Visa Application Service Center just receives cash, debit cards, credit cards (Visa and Mater Card only) and company cheques. Know more details about China Vis Cost >>

How Long does It Take to Get A Tourist Visa to China?

Chinese Embassy and Consulate will start to process your application until all required documents submitted. Regular application takes about 4 working days , which you may pick up on the 4th or 5th working day. Express Service takes around 2-3 working days, that means, you may collect on the 3rd to 4th working day. Rush Service generally needs nearly 1 working day for processing, and applicants may obtain on the second working day. Same Day Rush Service for emergency entry is offered for applicants in US.

Useful Links: China Visa Processing Time | Fast China Visa Services

Special Notes:

1.) Express and Rush Service are not available in all foreign countries. If you want to use the services, please check on official website. If it’s valid, extra fees will be charged.

2.) If you apply for China Tourist Visa by mail in Australia, it takes at least 10 working days for processing, postal time is excluded.

3.) Visa processing time is listed for reference only, accurate time depends on personal situations. Chinese Embassy and Consulate may require supplementary materials if necessary.

Canadian Picked up Passport & Visa from Chinese Embassy

FAQs and Useful Tips about Chinese Tourist Visa

Q1: Is it easy to get a Chinese Tourist Visa?

It’s hard to say it’s easy or not to get a Chinese Tourist Visa, because there is no guarantee of issurance of a Chinese Visa, under any circumstances. Our advice is that, prepare all needed documents as required for maxmium success.

Q2: Where should US citizens apply for a China Tourist Visa?

Holders of US passports should submit application to corresponding Chinese Embassy or Consulate which is in charge of your area. If you reside in Washington DC, Montana, North Carolina, Virginia, you shall apply at Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C., and if you live in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, visit Consute in New York, more details in http://www.china-embassy.org/eng/zmzlljs/t84229.htm.

Q3: Does Singaporean need visa for travel to China?

According to relevant China’s laws and regulations, citizens from Singapore may enjoy 15-day visa-free entry to China if he go for business, tour or family visit.You will need a Chinese Visa with intention to overstay and travel for other purposes.

Q4: What’s the maximum stay of a China Tourist Visa?

The accurate length of permitted stay is clearly marked on the visa page of your passport, which is normally 30 days. That means holder can stay in China for up to 30 days. The time counts from the 00:00 the day after entry and till 24:00 of the last day . Please enter before the “Valid For Entry By”, otherwise it will be expired and null.

If you will stay in China more than regular 30 days, you’re suggested to make it clear on the application form, and shown in related travel itinerary.

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How to Apply for a China Visa — a Step-by-Step Guide

Amazing News for Selected Country Travelers!

Visa-Free Access to China

Great news for our esteemed customers from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Malaysia! You can enjoy China's beautiful culture and scenery visa-free for 15 days until December 31st, 2025. No extended waiting, less hassle, and more time for planning your perfect China adventure.

And for our fortunate travelers from Singapore—you can relish visa-free access to China for up to 30 days, indefinitely!

Seeking a Longer Stay or Arriving from Other Countries? Try China Highlights' Port Visa Service

If your home country isn't listed above or if you aim to discover China for more than two weeks, no worries — we offer our Port Visa Service! Once your tour booking is confirmed with us, we can arrange your visa for just US$50 (valid until June 30th, 2024). Forget the stress of embassy visits and visa interviews.

Start booking your dream Chinese vacation with us .

How to Apply for a China Visa

Planning to visit China, but don't know how to apply for a China visa? We're breaking it down for you with our step-by-step guide, follow the steps and get your China visa efficiently.

The visa information we provide is for reference only. We are a travel agency. If you book a trip with us, we can provide you with an invitation letter when applying for a tourist visa.

1. Find out if you need a visa

The first thing is to check whether you need a visa or not. You usually need to apply for a Chinese visa unless you meet one of China's visa-free policies . 72- and 144-hour visa-free transit offer great convenience if you have a layover in China.

2. Find out which visa you need.

There are many types of China visas. Choose a visa type that applies to your situation. If you are planning to go on a vacation in China, apply for a Tourist Visa (L Visa).

3. Prepare the required documents.

The following list of documents are required for any China visa application:

• A valid passport. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months when you enter China.
• A complete visa application form (The visa application form can be downloaded from the Chinese embassy website or from our website. You complete it by computer, print and sign it. In some countries such as UK you should complete an online form . On the form, you might find an item "Serial number of invitation letter of the authorized organization", you may skip this item if you don't have an invitation letter, or the invitation letter is not of this type.)
• A recent passport-type photograph (head and shoulders only, front view, with a white background, approximately 48mmx33mm)

Along with the aforementioned generally required documents, several additional documents are required depending upon the type of China visa applied for.

For instance, if you are applying for a tourist L visa , you need to prepare an air ticket booking record (round trip) and proof of a hotel reservation OR an invitation letter issued by a Chinese travel agency. ( An invitation letter could be provided by us without extra charge if a China tour of 3 days or more is booked .)

An invitation letter can replace the air ticket and hotel booking if you are planning to stay with friends or family who live in China and can't provide the hotel confirmation, or if your travel is being organized by a travel agency (or other duly authorized organization) in China . We can provide you with the invitation letter if you book a tour with us.

4. Submit the application.

You may submit the application to the Visa Office at Chinese embassies or consulates, or China Visa Application Service Centers (also called CVASC) if they are operating in your country.

Starting from 2018, visa applicants from more and more countries (including the U.S., the UK, and Canada) have to make their visa application in person and have their fingerprints collected .

The regular service processing time is 4 days, and the rushed service takes about 1 day. The latter is only available in extreme emergencies pending a consular officer's approval.

5. Pay the fee and collect your visa.

Go to the place where you apply for a China visa, pay the fee, and collect your visa.

The fees vary enormously depending on your nationality and number of entries. Here we listed China visa prices for some countries for your reference. It may change based on the updated policies.

The fees shown in the table are only for the cost of visa. If you apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center, the service fee and tax are required.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

When to Apply for a Visa

It is important to get your visa early, but not too early because it is only valid for 90/180 days for single/double-entry visas from the issue date.

It is usually recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel .

Apply for Special Permits, If Necessary.

If you are planning on traveling to the Tibet Autonomous Region, you will need to get a Tibet Travel Permit from a Chinese travel agency. As a travel agency based in China for more than 20 years, we can help you apply for the Tibet Travel Permit.

Check the most popular Tibet tours .

Apply for a China Visa in Hong Kong

If you are already in Hong Kong and want to visit the Chinese mainland, it is possible to get a China visa in Hong Kong. Read our step-by-step guide .

Tailor-Making a Private China Tour

China Highlights is your China tour tailor-making expert. See the recommended tours below for inspiration or check out our ideas and suggestions on How to Plan Your China Tour .

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• 9-Day Beyond the Golden Triangle
• 11-Day China Family Tour
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2023 Chinese Visa Application Guidelines

From January 8, 2023, China has resumed the issuance of visas for foreign nationals. As the country continues to open up, we discuss the 2023 Chinese visa application guidelines. 

UPDATE (December 8, 2023): On December 8, 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the Notice on Temporary Reduction of Fees for Applying Visa to China . According to this notice, during the period from December 11, 2023, to December 31, 2024, China shall cut visa fees by 25 percent across the board for foreign travelers. For more details, please consult with your local Chinese embassy or consulate.

China began easing immigration procedures on January 8, 2023, after the downgrading of COVID-19 to a Class B infectious disease and the removal of centralized quarantine for inbound travelers.

Beijing has promised to gradually resume the issuance of ordinary visas and residence permits for foreigners , as well as tourist visa exemption for short-term travelers .

The lifting of quarantine regulations means that mainland Chinese residents can travel abroad for the first time since national borders were closed almost three years ago. China also announced the restart of pilot outbound tours to selected countries. Yet, it should be noted that visa resumption is a process.

As per announcements posted by some Chinese embassies, China has resumed visa applications for most types. Meanwhile, visa applications for tourism and medical treatment to China are currently still on hold.  

Foreigners who need to apply for China visas should confirm with their local Chinese embassies or consulates to find out if the visa they want to apply for is currently available or not.   

In this article, we provide the latest Chinese visa application guidelines and highlight the characteristics of each type of visa and the supporting documentation required.  

What type of Chinese visa can be applied for in 2023?

As per the announcement from most Chinese embassies, the following types of visas are available for application:

Additional information and documentation may be needed, depending on the applicant’s place of origin, where the application is being submitted, and where the applicant plans to travel.

When dealing with visa-related processes, prospective travelers to China can contact their local Chinese embassy or consulate and seek specific guidance, as regulations may vary case-by-case.

Who does not need a visa to China?

The following categories of foreigners can enter China without a visa:

• Foreigners covered by different agreements for reciprocal visa exemption: Based on specific bilateral agreements among countries, certain foreign nationals who satisfy specific criteria may enter China without a visa. For additional details, please refer to the updated list of agreements on visa exemption signed by China with other nations.
• Foreigners who are eligible for the 24-hour visa-free transit arrangement: Foreigners who will only stay within the airport (and not cross the border) for no longer than 24 hours and have a valid connecting ticket with confirmed seating on an international aircraft, are free from needing a visa to transit through China by air.
• Foreigners with various forms of valid residence permits: Foreign nationals who want to study, work, or are resident foreign journalists in China must apply for a residency permit from the local public security authorities within 30 days of their entrance. For the duration of the permit’s validity, permit holders can be in the country without the need to apply for a visa.
• International travelers with current APEC business travel cards: The APEC Business Travel Card is an alternative to a three-year multiple-entry visa. A cardholder may enter China more than once during the card’s validity – for a stay of no longer than two months each time.
• Foreigners with valid Permanent Residence Certificates in China.
• Foreigners who will visit a China city where a 72/144-hour transit visa-free policy is applicable: Some cities allow travelers to visit the province of their arrival or a specific region without a visa for a certain period (72 hours or 144 hours). For a complete list of cities offering this policy and the eligible nationality of the foreign national, please read our article here .

What to do before entering China in 2023?

All travelers, regardless of their vaccination status, have to complete one PCR test within 48 hours before departure and to only board an aircraft if their nucleic acid result is negative.

The application for the health code is no longer necessary.

One PCR test may be taken in either the city of departure or the airport/city of your transfer if you are traveling to China via a third country.

For more information on China’s COVID-19 prevention and control measures, kindly refer to our tracker article.

China’s steps toward opening up in 2023

As illustrated above, the Announcement of the Optimized Policies and Measures for Immigration Administration after the Downgrade of COVID-19 Management with Measures Against Class B Infectious Diseases (Announcement), issued on December 27, 2022, by China’s National Immigration Administration (NIA), introduced several facilitations regarding visa applications for foreigners. This is a sign that China is slowly opening back up.

In the words of Chinese Vice Premier Liu He at the 2023 World Economic Forum , China is on a clear path to “open up wider, and make it work better.”

In view of the recent positive policy transitions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its 2023 China growth outlook sharply to 5.2 percent (from 4.4 percent in its October 2022 forecast), citing the reopening of the country’s economy after Beijing lifted its tight COVID-19 restrictions .

Tourism will be among the industries to benefit the most from this new approach in 2023. China’s outbound tourism showed an impressive recovery during the 2023 Spring Festival period, with outbound tours booking and hotel occupancy reaching a three-year high.

In addition, while foreigners who hold 5-year or 10-year tourist visas are still unable to enter China as of January 2023, this type of visa may soon be valid again as proof of Beijing’s efforts to open to the world.

How we can help

As a professional business services provider, Dezan Shira & Associates can provide you with the necessary support to understand the most updated policies and status in a timely manner. Should you have any requests, please contact us without hesitation. You are welcome to email us at [email protected]

China Briefing is written and produced by  Dezan Shira & Associates . The practice assists foreign investors into China and has done so since 1992 through offices in Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Qingdao, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Guangzhou, Dongguan, Zhongshan, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Please contact the firm for assistance in China at  [email protected] .

Dezan Shira & Associates has offices in  Vietnam ,  Indonesia ,  Singapore ,  United States ,  Germany ,  Italy ,  India , and  Russia , in addition to our trade research facilities along the  Belt & Road Initiative .   We also have partner firms assisting foreign investors in  The Philippines ,  Malaysia ,  Thailand ,  Bangladesh .

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• Consulate in Manchester
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China Visa Application in UK

Procedure of Application at CVASC

Fees for application (in gbp) , uk citizens, israel, canada, argentina, brazil & uruguay citizens, us, serbia & panama, romania citizens, citizens of other countries.

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• 习近平外交思想和新时代中国外交

*To  apply for the emergency humanitarian visa for the purpose of arranging funeral matters or visiting a family member in critical medical conditions in China, applicants shall submit the identity document of the deceased or critically ill patient (such as a Chinese identity card or a foreign passport), a death certificate or a medical certificate of the patient issued by the hospital, proof of kinship, and other necessary documents as required.

III.  Application Procedures:

To apply for the above visas, applicants are required to fill in the online application form and make an appointment on the  Chinese Visa Application Service Centre  (CVASC) website before submitting applications in person on the date of the appointment and having their  ten fingers ’ fingerprints collected. Children under the age of 14 and adults above the age of 70 are not required to go to the  CVASC  for such biometric information collection. Please contact the CVASC for specific procedures, visa application requirements, processing time and fees.

IV.  Diplomatic, service or courtesy visa applicants shall also submit applications at the CVASC. The applicants are not required to pre-book time slots, but shall complete and print out the online application forms in advance.

V.  Foreign nationals who apply for visas for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region can submit applications to the  CVASC  during business hours with no need for pre-booked appointments.

VI.  Visa applications for visiting purposes which are not included above will not be accepted at the moment.

VII.  Holder of a valid Chinese residence permit, or valid permanent documents and APEC Business Travel Cards ( excluding Virtual ABTC) does not need to apply for a new visa for entry into China .

Thu 16 May 2024

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China tourist visa: New rules explained as China’s borders open to foreign travellers

The country is processing visas for foreign tourists after three years of border restrictions.

China is reopening to foreign holidaymakers after three years of border restrictions . The country that retreated from its long-standing zero- Covid policy in December and declared victory over the virus in February.

As of Wednesday 15 March, it is now issuing visas for international tourists , the Chinese Government has announced.

There were tens of millions of international visitor arrivals to China in 2019.

What are the new visa rules?

Starting from Wednesday 15 March, foreign offices can once again process applications for Chinese visas and valid visas that were issued before 28 March 2020 can be used for travel to the country.

Additionally, parts of China that did not require visa before the pandemic will return to visa-free entry.

Beijing will also lift rules for other locations, including Hainan island cruise ships which pass through Shanghai ports.

British nationals require a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not for travel to Hong Kong or Macao.

Do travellers need to take a Covid test?

All travellers need a negative PCR test result to enter China, according to the UK Foreign Office advice.

The negative PCR test must be taken within 48 hours of boarding a flight to China and must be submitted by filling in the health declaration form via the China Customs website, or through the China Customs app or a WeChat account. Those who have a positive test result will not be permitted to board a flight to China.

Travellers entering China who display symptoms of fever, or who have an abnormal health declaration, may be asked to undertake an antigen test on arrival.

Those who test positive will be released to self-quarantine if symptoms are mild, or recommended to go to a medical institution for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms are more severe.

People travelling with a child who is aged five or under must apply for a Customs Code Health Declaration Code for the child.

Are there rules for return to the UK?

Yes, the UK Government requires passengers aged 12 or older travelling from mainland China to England to take a pre-departure Covid test.

The test must be taken no more than two days before travel and passengers need to show evidence of the test result before leaving mainland China for England. This will be checked by the airline and Border Force may require travellers to show this on arrival to England.

The rule applies to all direct and indirect flights from mainland China. It does not apply to those travelling directly to England from Hong Kong and Macao.

The test can be a lateral flow or a PCR.

Since 8 January, some passengers have been asked to take part in a voluntary test on arrival in England as the UK Government monitors for potential new Covid variants. This only applies to passengers aged 18 or over who are travelling from mainland China and arriving at Heathrow Airport .

Are tour operators restarting China holidays?

Yes, specialist tour operators such as Wendy Wu are preparing to resume group tours in China.

Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours, said: “This is clearly a major milestone for tourism, and undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated reopenings for Asia tourism following the pandemic.”

Wu added:  “Touring in China is going to be a whole new experience.

“The country has had three years without tourism to rejuvenate and refresh and so as we begin preparations to return with UK tourists, China is eagerly looking forward to welcoming visitors again, with a touring experience that promises to be as fresh and captivating, as one resembling 20 years ago.”

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It Just Got Easier for Americans to Visit China—Here's What to Know

By Matt Ortile

I was recently applying for a new passport, dreaming of all the new stamps and visas I’d collect, when I wondered: “Can Americans travel to China?” As it turns out, some recent policy changes out of Beijing have made it easier than ever to marvel at the Great Wall of China , take in the cosmopolitan bustle of Shanghai , and devour spicy Sichuan -style dishes at the source.

As of January 1, 2024, US travelers applying for tourist visas to China are no longer required to present proof of roundtrip tickets for travel, hotel reservations, or specific itineraries. The development came after a declaration in December by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States that states both countries mutually agreed to simplify the visa process in an effort to “facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and the United States.”

To learn more about how US passport holders can travel to China, I reached out to travel specialists with deep expertise in tourism in China and Asia more broadly: Mei Zhang, the founder of WildChina and a member of Condé Nast Traveler ’s Global Advisory Board ; and Catherine Heald, co-founder and CEO of Remote Lands , a luxury travel advisor specializing in destinations throughout Asia.

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to China with a US passport in 2024.

Can Americans travel to China?

Yes, Americans can travel to China for tourism purposes. The country previously upheld travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from early 2020 to March 2023. At the time, a quarantine period was required of anyone who entered the country; additionally, Zhang of WildChina explains, flights between the United States and China were extremely limited, and so tickets were prohibitively expensive .

Interest in travel to China has increased in recent months, says Heald of Remote Lands, thanks to the new visa application rules that have come into effect in 2024: “Even when the country opened, obtaining a visa was somewhat difficult, so it did not really see an influx of travelers from the US until this year.”

What kind of visa do I need to visit China?

US passport holders need a visa to visit China, obtained in advance of travel, i.e. there is no “visa on arrival” option. Tourist visas valid for ten years and good for multi-entry use must be acquired though a Chinese embassy or consulate, or a visa service. Currently, for US citizens, the cost for a tourist visa for travel to China is $140, whether for single-use or multi-entry use. This is a reduced fee, in effect until December 31, 2024 .

According to the Chinese embassy in the United States, the tourist visa application requirements include: a passport with at least six-months’ validity and two blank pages; a photocopy of the passport’s ID page; a completed application form, filled out online and printed; proof of residence, like a driver’s license or a utility bill; and a completed “ Where You Stay Form ” that attests the applicant is currently applying for a visa from within the US.

Admittedly, the steps are a bit more involved than the path you’d walk (or fly) to countries to which US citizens easily have access, or to destinations that offer visa-on-arrival programs. “When it feels too convoluted to navigate on your own, we recommend using a visa service like CIBT to make it easier,” Zhang says.

If you’re just transiting through China (if you have a 12-hour layover in Shanghai, for example, and want to go into the city before flying to your final stop), you’re in luck: Heald says that in certain Chinese cities, foreign nationals from 54 countries, including the US, are eligible for the 24-, 72-, or 144-hour transit visa-free policies, as long as they stay within certain areas and can present proof of confirmed dates of travel to a third country.

For first-timers visiting China, experts suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai.

When is the best time to visit China?

Spring and fall are the best times to travel in China, according to Zhang and Heald. “ Summer can be very hot, depending on where you are in China, and also busier than usual, since kids are on summer break and traveling with their families during this time,” Zhang says.

She also recommends to plan travel around the calendar of Chinese national holidays, since travel can be more challenging due to the heightened amount of activity. “The main holidays to avoid are Chinese New Year, the May Day holiday in the first week of May, and Golden Week, which is the first week of October).” It’s a fair point, but if those times are what work for you, don’t let the craze of the crowds stop you. I imagine it would truly be an awesome sight to see, a Chinese city or town celebrating the Lunar New Year .

I’m visiting China for the first time—what city should I visit?

Both Zhang and Heald suggest an itinerary that includes one, two, or all three of the Chinese metropolitan triumvirate: Beijing , Xi’an, and Shanghai. Go for the Forbidden City and the Great Wall in the capital, see the iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and head to the Bund for the skyscraper-laden cosmopolitan side of China (where you can stay at the Peninsula Shanghai , an editor-favorite hotel featured on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List for 2024 ).

Rachel Chang

Sophie Morgan

Lale Arikoglu

If you’re keen to get a little bit of all three—including the Sichuan city of Chengdu—Heald recommends the Classic China tour offered by Remote Lands that highlights some of the country’s most significant historical and cultural sites. (Also: pandas.) Speaking of nature, don’t be afraid to venture out of the cities, if time permits. For getting off the beaten path, Zhang recommends the mountainous province of Yunnan, while Heald mentions that travelers seeking spiritual experiences are going to Tibet (which requires another entry permit).

What else should Americans know before traveling to China?

It’s important to remember that the Great Firewall of China is very real: Websites like Google (including Gmail), YouTube, Facebook, and others are blocked in the country, Heald says, “especially if they touch on sensitive subjects.” She recommends downloading a VPN (virtual private network) to all of your devices before entering China, which allows you to freely use the Internet as usual. “If you do not wish to get a VPN, then plan accordingly and notify any concerned parties that you may be out of touch for a few days,” she says.

Still, China is changing at a rapid pace, Zhang notes. “Some of our recent travelers have described it as stepping into the future .” In the main cities, taxi cars are mostly electric. Sustainability is taking a leading role in development, and high-speed trains connect the entire country, with new rail lines opening regularly. Digital payments have swept every corner of the nation—“everybody from luxury stores to street food carts has a QR code”—and almost no one carries cash or credit cards. Zhang says, “For those who have visited China before, it has changed. And for those who have not visited before, you’re in for something wholly unexpected indeed.”

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Guide to Application for Chinese Visas

（ Updated 1 4 th   Mar . 202 3 ）

From the 1 5 th of March  202 3 , the visa requirements for visits to  China will be adjusted according to the latest notice from the Chinese Embass y  and Consulates in South Korea. The updated processing procedures and material requirements are as follows :

1. Please fill out your visa application form and make a reservation online through https://www.visaforchina.org . Please DON’T forget to  print out your visa application form as well as the reservation form in advance before submitting your application at the scheduled time .

2.  All Visa applicants must  submit the application documents  in person  and have their fingerprints collected.

Please be noted that fingerprint collection is not required for:  

a. Children under 14 years old or adults over 70 years old.

b. Diplomatic Passport Holders, diplomatic officials or courtesy visa applicants.

c. Applicants who have had fingerprints collected and have obtained Chinese visa issued by the same Chinese Embassy, Consulates, or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers with the same passports within 5 years.

d. Applicants whose ten fingers are all  mutilated or whose fingerprints are not able to be collected.

Applicants  w ho don’t require fingerprint collection could entrust a third party to submit the application.

3.  D ocuments  for applying:

a.  Visa Application Form and Reservation Form.

b. Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page s . A photocopy of the passport page that contains your photo, personal information, and signature.

c.  A  recent immigration certificate or entry confirmation slip  or a valid Korean alien registration card or a Korean visa (third-country citizens only)

d.  Previous   Chinese passport or previous   Chinese visa (suitable for Chinese nationality, and later joined foreign nationality) .

e. Specific document s for different visa categories:

f.  To apply for an emergency humanitarian visa, such as going to China for a funeral or visiting a critically unwell  patient, the deceased’s or patient’s identity document (such as a Chinese ID card or a foreigner passport, etc.), a death certificate  of the deceased  or a medical certificate a critical illness notice  of the patient issued by the hospital, relatives Proof of relationship  and other documents will be required for submission .

4. All Visa Categories mentioned above shall be applied via the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center. You may contact our center for the specific procedures and requirements for issuing visa.

About the Chin ese  Visa Application Service Center:

Busan Chinese Visa Application Service Center

Address ： 5thFloor, C1 Haeundae I ’ PARK, 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea.

Call: 051-9200800

Fax ： 051-920-0866

E-mail: [email protected]

5 . Please contact the Chinese embassy or consulates  in Korea for diplomatic and public service visas.

14 th   Mar. 2023

Chinese visa application service center

Business Hours: Monday - Friday

Visa application: 9:00-15:00

Payment and collection: 13:00-15:00

NOTICE: Our visa counter will accept rush(express/urgent) service(3rd working day/2nd working day) application until 11:30.

Location： 5 th Floor, C1 Haeundae I’PARK , 38 Marine City 2-ro Haeundae, Busan, the Republic of Korea

Call：051-920-0800 ( Please leave your name and contact number by e-mail when the phone call cannot be connected )

Fax：051-920-0866

Email： [email protected]

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• Entering and staying in the UK
• Visas and entry clearance
• Visit and transit visas

Visit visa: guide to supporting documents

This guidance explains the documents you should provide to support your application to visit the UK.

Visiting the UK: guide to supporting documents

Use this guidance to find out which documents you need to support your application for a standard visitor visa.

The guidance has been updated in line with current policy.

Added Chinese translation.

New content relevant from 1 December onwards.

Updated to include a html version of the English and Chinese language guidance

Updated guidance.

New Chinese translated guidance.

updated guidance

First published.

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