China Visa Bureau

General information

If you are a UK passport holder and are planning a trip to the People’s Republic of China you must obtain a Chinese visa prior to arriving in China. If you don't have a Chinese visa you will be refused entry at the passport control. The rules are strict and you must follow them. To Obtain your Chinese visa simply select one of the tabs located at the top of this website which is most relevant to your situation ie. Chinese Business Visa or Chinese Tourism Visa etc. You DON'T need a visa for Hong Kong or Macau SAR if you are visiting for less than 90 days (if you hold a UK passport). There are several different types of visa each one having a letter to identify it such as 'L-Visa' which stands for Chinese Tourism Visa or ‘F-Visa’ which stands for Chinese Business Visa. Other visas’ are ‘X-Visa’ which is a Study Visa ‘Z-Visa’ which is a Work Visa and a ‘J-Visa’ which is for Journalists. Visa's don’t have to be submitted and collected in person a nominated friend or colleague can submit on the applicants behalf. A Chinese visa single entry is valid for three months from the issue date So you must enter mainland China within 3 months of the date of issue. If you don't the visa will have expired and you will be refused entry. A Chinese visa double entry is valid for six months from the issue date So you must enter mainland China within 6 months of the date of issue. If you don't the visa will have expired and you will be refused entry. Visas’ are generally granted but be warned that they are especially careful in vetting applicants who were born in China and now hold a UK passport or who are second generation Chinese immigrants (ie if your parents were born in mainland China). You will have to submit copies of your birth certificate as well as the other documents they ask for and the applications can take a little longer. For all visa types your passport MUST have at least six months validity left on it and MUST have two empty visa pages. Help and Advice Chinese Visa General Line: 0161 260 0335 There are a number of different types of visas for those interested in traveling to China. This website will describe these different types of visa as well as how to fill out the application form that is required to be completed in order to get one. Should you have questions regarding Getting a Visa for China please get in touch with us and a visa specialist will answer all your questions.