What is the purpose of your trip?
Choose one to see which visa you need and what to prepare.
Select a purpose above to see the right visa.
Business visa
Meetings, trade fairs, factory and supplier visits, and negotiating contracts.
Travelling on a British passport? Short trips for this purpose are currently visa-free, so you may not need a visa at all. We check the latest rules for your dates before you apply.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Invitation letter from the Chinese company or trade fair
- UK residence evidence if you are not British
Work visa
Taking up paid employment with a company in China.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Work permit notice from your employer in China
- Completed application form
Tourist visa
Sightseeing, holidays and tours.
Travelling on a British passport? Short trips for this purpose are currently visa-free, so you may not need a visa at all. We check the latest rules for your dates before you apply.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Return flight booking
- Hotel bookings or itinerary
Family visit visa
Visiting relatives who are Chinese citizens, permanent residents, or foreigners working or studying in China.
Travelling on a British passport? Short trips for this purpose are currently visa-free, so you may not need a visa at all. We check the latest rules for your dates before you apply.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Invitation letter from your relative
- Copy of your relative's ID or residence permit
- Proof of your relationship
Student visa
Studying at a Chinese university or school, short or long term.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Admission letter
- JW201 or JW202 form for longer courses
Transit visa
Passing through China on the way to another country.
Travelling on a British passport? Short trips for this purpose are currently visa-free, so you may not need a visa at all. We check the latest rules for your dates before you apply.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Onward ticket to your next destination
- Visa for your next destination, if needed
Crew visa
Airline, shipping and transport crew working on international routes.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Letter from your airline or shipping company
Journalist visa
Foreign journalists on short reporting trips or long-term postings.
You'll usually need
- Passport and photo
- Letter from your media organisation
- Approval from the Chinese authorities
China visa-free travel for British citizens
Since 17 February 2026, holders of ordinary British passports can enter mainland China without a visa for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visiting family and friends, exchanges and transit. This policy currently runs until 31 December 2026.
You still need a visa if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, work, study or report as a journalist, or if your trip starts after the policy ends and it isn't extended.
UK residents with other passports
The visa-free policy depends on your passport, not where you live. If you live in the UK on an Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian or other passport, you may still need a Chinese visa. Applications are made through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres in the UK.
Which Chinese visa do you need?
The main visa types are:
- L visa: tourism
- M visa: business and trade
- Q1 and Q2 visas: visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents
- S1 and S2 visas: visiting family members who are working or studying in China
- Z visa: work, with a work permit notification
- X1 and X2 visas: study
Choosing the right type and providing the matching invitation is the key to a smooth application.
China visa from the UK help in Manchester
We're based in Manchester city centre and help travellers and businesses across the North West and the rest of the UK. Most travel visa applications can be handled by post and email, so you don't need to visit us in person.
How we help
- Check your eligibility and confirm the right route at your consultation
- Give you a personalised document checklist
- Prepare and complete your application forms
- Review all evidence against the current rules before submission
- Keep you updated until you have a decision
Common questions
Do I need a visa for a short holiday?
If you travel on a British passport, probably not, for now. Check the current visa-free rules before you book, or ask us.
Do British citizens need a visa for China?
Not for trips of up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits or transit, until 31 December 2026. You still need a visa for longer stays, work or study.
What happens after 31 December 2026?
The visa-free policy is due to end then unless China extends it. If you are travelling in 2027, check with us before you book.