How to apply for a China Tourist Visa as a UK citizen

Important Update: We are not currently offering services to apply for the China Tourist or Business visas. If you have an outstanding order with us we will continue processing it as usual.

China offers a unique blend of history and modernity, where ancient traditions exist alongside cutting-edge innovations. For UK citizens eager to experience this fascinating country, a China Tourist Visa is required.

Here’s our guide to help you understand the visa process and make your application as smooth as possible.

Do UK citizens need a visa for China?

If you do not hold Chinese citizenship, you will need a visa to enter China from the UK.

There are different visa types depending on your travel needs.

• The Tourist Visa (L Visa) is your gateway to China's captivating scenery, deep-rooted history, and distinct culture - perfect for globetrotters.

• The Business Visa (M Visa) is what you need if you're interested in trade or commercial ventures in the bustling business landscape of China.

• The Student Visa (X Visa) is the key for those who've secured a spot in a Chinese university and are ready to dive into a unique educational experience.

• The Work Visa (Z Visa) is the necessary pick for those heading to China for employment opportunities.

• The Family Visa (Q Visa) serves as the ideal pathway for those who look forward to spending time with their loved ones residing in China, whether they’re Chinese citizens or permanent foreign residents.

In transit? If you have an onward confirmed ticket on an international flight and are directly transiting through the country with a stay of less than 24 hours, and you don’t plan to leave the airport, you will not need a visa.

What is the China Tourist Visa?

The China Tourist Visa (L Visa) allows UK travelers to visit China for leisure activities, including tourism and visiting friends. Once you have this visa, you’re free to explore China's historical sites and scenic wonders.

Learn more about the China Tourist Visa.

China Tourist Visa difficulty rating: Moderately difficult

For UK applicants, the China Tourist Visa process has a difficulty score of 48/100. It requires answering 51 questions and submitting 2 documents—your passport and a passport photo. The process takes approximately 1 hour.

One of the most challenging questions for applicants is providing a clear and accurate answer to the question, "When will you leave China?". Many UK travelers (1,510 applicants, to be precise) have faced issues with this question.

iVisa pro tip: It's important to have your return or onward travel fully planned out before completing the application. If you're unsure of your exact departure date, we recommend booking a flexible or refundable return ticket. This ensures your answer will match your actual plans and helps avoid complications during the visa approval process.

How long is the China Tourist Visa valid for UK citizens?

The China Tourist Visa is available in different types:

• Single-entry visa: Valid for 90 days

• Double-entry visa: Valid for 9 months

• Multiple-entry visa: Valid for 1 year

The Chinese embassy may also issue 5-year or 10-year multiple-entry visas in certain cases.

China Tourist Visa eligibility for UK citizens

To apply for the China Tourist Visa, you must have:

• A valid passport: Your UK passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from China and must have at least two blank visa pages.

• Proof of onward travel: You’ll need to show proof of a return or onward flight to confirm your exit from China.

• Financial support: Provide bank statements or payslips to prove you can cover your expenses while in China.

• A travel itinerary: Include information on where you’ll stay and the places you plan to visit during your trip.

Documents required for the China Tourist Visa for UK citizens

You will need the following when applying for a visa:

• UK passport

• A passport photo

• A completed visa application form which can be filled out online

• Copy of previous Chinese visas or passports if you’ve held a Chinese visa before or were previously a Chinese citizen and have now changed your citizenship

If you’re not a British citizen but live in the United Kingdom, you can also apply for a Chinese visa. To do this, you must provide valid proof of your legal status in the UK. This could be in the form of proof of employment, student status, or a residence visa.

China Tourist Visa requirements for UK children

For UK applicants who are under the age of 18, additional documents are required:

• Child's birth certificate: A copy of the child's birth certificate is mandatory.

• Identity documents of parents/guardians: Identity proof of each parent or legal guardian, in the form of passports or ID cards, should be included in the application.

• Permission for travel: Written consent from both parents or legal guardians authorizing the child's trip to China is an absolute requirement.

How to apply for the China Tourist Visa in the UK

Securing your China Tourist Visa doesn't need to be a stressful affair. We're here to simplify it all for you, transforming the process into a handful of manageable steps:

• Step 1: Provide your personal and travel information on our website or the iVisa app.

• Step 2: Double-check your information to ensure accuracy, then pay the iVisa service fee using a credit card, debit card, PayPal, or Venmo.

• Step 3: Complete the rest of the application, upload your documents, and submit everything. We’ll then book your visa appointment at your preferred Chinese Visa Application Centre (CVAC).

• Step 4: Take your application form and the required documents to your visa appointment. You must provide your biometric data and pay the government visa fee. You’ll be informed of when to collect your passport.

China Tourist Visa fees and processing time for UK citizens

The government fee for a China Tourist Visa varies depending on the type of visa and its validity. We’ll inform you of the exact cost when you start your application so you know what to expect before your visa appointment.

If you decide to use our platform, there is an extra charge of USD $199.99. This fee includes all services, from checking your documents to arranging your appointment.

The turnaround time for a China Tourist Visa for UK nationals is influenced by factors such as the visa category and the current workload at the Chinese embassy or consulate. Generally, the processing time for a Chinese Tourist Visa is 4 working days once your application form reaches the hands of the Chinese authorities.

However, you need to factor in that getting a visa appointment may take some time, depending on the CVAC's workload.

We encourage you to start the application process at least 1-2 months before your intended travel date.

Why apply with us?

Applying for the China Tourist Visa can be simplified with our help. We boast an impressive 100% approval rate for this visa, ensuring that our customers have the best chance of getting their applications approved. Our service guarantees:

• Time savings: We handle the paperwork so you can focus on planning your trip.

• Expert support: Our team reviews your application for any errors before submission, helping to reduce the risk of rejection.

• Convenient updates: With our mobile app, you can track your application and receive status alerts on the go.

iVisa was a lifesaver! The process was so easy, and they kept me updated every step of the way. I got my visa without any issues, and the customer service was amazing!" — John, United Kingdom

Where can I contact you for more questions about the visa?

If you have any questions about the China Tourist Visa or need help with your application, our customer support team is available to assist. Contact us anytime via WhatsApp or iVisa chat.