China Visa for UK Citizens

China is one of the most popular destinations for UK travellers to visit. Attractions like the bright lights of Shanghai and the Great Wall are a major draw for tourists. However, if you’re planning a trip, you need a visa for China from the UK.

While applying for your travel authorisation may seem to be a challenge, it needn’t be time-consuming or difficult. Byevisa is on hand to offer you advice and to make the process as smooth as possible.

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Do I Need a China Visa for UK Citizens?

Yes, if you’re a British national, you need to obtain a travel authorisation to enter any part of mainland China. This includes Hainan Island. However, there’s currently no need for any travel documentation to enter Macao or Hong Kong.

Every applicant aged from 14 to 70 must make an in-person application at an official application centre. During the process, scanned fingerprints will be taken. This biometric data will usually be collected and checked by the Chinese immigration authorities on entry to the country in order to register your entry.

How Much Is a Chinese Visa For UK Citizens?

The cost of your travel authorisation will depend on which option you choose for processing times. UK citizens are charged 191.75 USD for a regular application, 231 USD for an express application, and 222.25 USD for postal return.

How Do I Arrange My China Visa for UK Citizens?

If you’re applying for an L class tourist visa for China from the UK, you must attend an application centre in person since your biometric information and a photo must be taken. You must therefore go online to the Chinese visa website and make an application for an appointment at the application centre of your choice.

On the day of your appointment, you should arrive punctually at the centre. You must show the printout of your appointment details as well as your documents and application form. Your passport will be scanned and you’ll receive a number. When your number is called, you’ll submit the application at the counter.

Your fingerprints will be collected at that point and if you require an interview, this will take place at a designated time. You’ll be given a payment notice which must be signed at the time of making payment. You’ll then receive a pick-up form that you must show when you collect your passport.

What Documents Do I Need When Applying for a China Tourist Visa for UK Citizens?

There are several documents that you need to present at the application centre along with your completed, printed and signed China L visa application form for UK citizens. These include:

• A digital photo.
• Your appointment reservation form.
• Your passport with a minimum of 6 months remaining validity and 2 blank pages.
• A photocopy of your passport’s photo and data pages.
• A downloaded and signed declaration.
• A photocopy of any previous Chinese visas.
• Documents to show your itinerary including your airline tickets and accommodation booking.
• A tourist invitation letter issued by a relevant individual or unit in China.

How Long is a China Visa From UK Valid?

The tourist travel authorisation granted is valid for 2 years. This China Multiple-Entry visa for UK citizens allows you to make multiple entries into the country.

Do I Need a Visa for China as a UK Citizen? – Your Questions Answered

We hope we’ve given you the details you require to obtain the right L class tourist travel authorisation to allow you to enter the country from the United Kingdom when you arrive on your Chinese holiday. However, we also understand that there are sometimes other queries that need a response. So, read on, and find the answer to several more frequently asked questions.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Visa for China From UK?

The length of time taken to process an application will vary depending on which application centre you choose to use. Nevertheless, it will usually take between 4 and 8 working days to complete the process.

Do I Need A Visa If I’m In Transit Through China?

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, no China transit visa is necessary for UK passport holders.

If you’re planning to leave the airport, you need to get permission from the airport immigration authorities. You can make an application at certain ports of entry for a 72-hour transit visa exemption in this case.

When Should I Apply for a China Visa From the UK?

It’s advised that you make your application from the United Kingdom in plenty of time before your planned date of travel. Usually, it’s recommended to apply 1 month before your trip, but no earlier than 3 months before. Remember, though, that you will need to make an appointment to physically attend the application centre of your choice. Therefore, you will need to make sure that you leave sufficient time to arrange travel to this location.

Is China Safe for British Travellers?

If you’re heading off on a Chinese vacation, it’s only natural to have some concerns about your safety, but there is usually no cause to worry. Tourists are very rarely the target of any kind of crime here. Of course, it makes sense, though, to take sensible steps to stay safe. Avoid using unmetered taxis, avoid hiking alone, and keep a close eye on your possessions if you’re visiting major tourist sites.

How Many United Kingdom Citizens Live in China?

There are many UK citizens who have made the Chinese mainland their home. Around 30,000 British people live here, most of whom can be found living in major cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Many are working for international corporations in their Chinese branches.

More Information About Travelling to China

Would you like to learn more about visiting the home of Beijing, Shanghai the Forbidden Palace and the Great Wall? If so, check out page about visiting China here for more top information.