China visa support for UK residents
From 17 February 2026, UK ordinary passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. This policy is in effect until at least 31 December 2026. Travel for work, study, or stays exceeding 30 days still requires a visa.
For trips that do require a visa, China visas fall into several categories depending on why you are travelling. We provide UK-based application support across the common routes, helping you prepare a complete, well-organised submission and avoid the errors that commonly cause delays. We assist with the process — the final decision always rests with the Chinese authorities.
Common routes
- Visa-free entry (up to 30 days) — UK ordinary passport holders can enter China without a visa for tourism, business, family visits and transit until at least 31 December 2026.
- Tourist (L) — for holidays, sightseeing and visiting family or friends where the visa-free policy does not apply or the stay exceeds 30 days.
- Business (M) — for meetings, trade activities, conferences and commercial visits beyond the visa-free allowance.
- Student (X) — for those enrolled on a course of study in China.
- Work (Z) — for taking up employment, usually following a formal job offer and supporting documentation.
The right category depends on your specific purpose and circumstances. We help you confirm which route fits before you begin, so you are not completing the wrong form.
What we help with
- Identifying the correct visa category for your trip
- Completing the online application form accurately and consistently
- Checking your supporting documents against general requirements
- Preparing a clear cover letter where one is useful
- Booking your appointment at a visa application service centre
- End-to-end guidance from first enquiry through to submission
What to prepare
Requirements vary by route and applicant, but you will typically need a passport valid well beyond your travel dates with blank pages, a recent compliant photograph, your travel itinerary and accommodation details, and route-specific evidence such as an invitation letter, business correspondence, admission documents or an employment offer. We will give you a tailored checklist once we understand your trip.
Check the official source
Visa rules, fees and processing times change and differ by nationality and purpose. Always verify current requirements on the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (opens in new tab) before booking flights or appointments. We will point you to the relevant official pages for your situation.
To get started, contact us with your travel dates and purpose, and we will match you to the right route and prepare your application.