The Foreign Office has warned UK tourists about new entry requirements for China. The FCDO updated its travel guidance on Thursday, April 23, with 'updated information about visa requirements.'
Passport Requirements
To enter China, your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your arrival date and contain 2 blank pages for visas and stamping. The FCDO advises: 'Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.'
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen. If you renew your passport while in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367 before or immediately upon receipt.
Visa-Free Access
Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits, or transit. If you travel for any other reason (including paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip. If unsure about eligibility, verify conditions with the Chinese Embassy in London.
Visiting without the appropriate visa or visa-free access will result in refusal of entry. Holders of Emergency Travel Documents are not allowed to enter China without a visa. The FCDO states: 'Unless you meet the requirement for visa-free access, you must arrange a visa before traveling to China.'
Visa Application Process
If you are aged 14 to 70, you must apply for a visa online and then attend a visa application centre in person. Officials will scan your fingerprints as part of the application. Visa application centres are located in London, Manchester, Belfast, and Edinburgh. Those aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, do not need to attend in person, but someone must submit the application on their behalf.
