UK passport to China
UK citizens don't need a visa to visit China for up to 30 days, for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges or transit. This scheme runs until 31 December 2026.
Changing. Visa-free entry for UK citizens started on 17 February 2026 and is set to end on 31 December 2026.
China hasn't said whether this will be extended. If it isn't, you'll need a visa from 1 January 2027.
The rules
- What you need
- No visa
- Other options
- To stay longer than 30 days, or to work, study or report as a journalist, get a visa before you travel.
- How long you can stay
- Up to 30 days per visit, counted from the day after you arrive. You can enter more than once.
- Your passport
- Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive. That's GOV.UK's advice; China's embassies only ask for it to last your stay, so the longer rule is safer.
- Arrival card
- Foreigner arrival card. Fill in an arrival card. You can do it online before you travel, which is free, or on paper or a machine at the border. Official site
Quick answers
Do UK citizens need a visa for China?
No. UK citizens don't need a visa to visit China for up to 30 days, for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges or transit. This scheme runs until 31 December 2026.
How long can UK citizens stay in China?
Up to 30 days per visit, counted from the day after you arrive. You can enter more than once.
How long does my passport need to be valid for China?
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the day you arrive. That's GOV.UK's advice; China's embassies only ask for it to last your stay, so the longer rule is safer.
Do I need an arrival card for China?
Yes. Fill in an arrival card. You can do it online before you travel, which is free, or on paper or a machine at the border.
Are the rules for China changing?
Visa-free entry for UK citizens started on 17 February 2026 and is set to end on 31 December 2026. China hasn't said whether this will be extended. If it isn't, you'll need a visa from 1 January 2027.
Good to know
Visa-free entry ends 31 December 2026. China's 30-day visa-free scheme is set to end on 31 December 2026. If you're travelling in 2027, check again before you book.
Fingerprints at the border. Border officers may scan your fingerprints and take your photo when you arrive. Canada says this applies to visitors aged 14 to 70.
Register where you stay. Hotels register you with the police automatically. If you stay in a private home, you or your host must register within 24 hours of arriving. You can do this online through the NIA 12367 app.
Fake arrival card sites. The online arrival card is free on the official site, s.nia.gov.cn, and in the NIA 12367 app. Fake sites charge a fee.
Checked 26 October 2026 against Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK, National Immigration Administration of China and GOV.UK.
See the 6 official sources
- Notice on China's Visa Waiver Policy for the UK and Canada (Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK)
- FAQs on Visa-free Entry into China (Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK)
- List of Countries Covered by Unilateral Visa Exemption Policies (National Immigration Administration of China)
- Notice on Online Completion of Foreigners' Arrival Card (Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the UK)
- Beware of Fraudulent Websites for Arrival Card Filling (National Immigration Administration of China)
- China entry requirements (GOV.UK)