China travel guide for Britons

Yes, Britons need a visa for China for most visits. The standard single-entry tourist visa (L) costs about £80–£120 and usually allows a 30-day stay. There is a 15-day visa-free entry for UK citizens in some cases, but it is not guaranteed for all purposes; check with the Chinese embassy or the visa centre before booking flights.

Plan around the visa: apply at least two weeks ahead, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity and two blank pages. Once you have the visa, the rest of the trip is straightforward — Alipay or WeChat Pay, an eSIM or VPN, and a high-speed rail ticket are the main prep items.

UK citizens need a visa for China for tourism, business, study or work. The most common is the L (tourist) visa, which you apply for at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London, Manchester or Edinburgh. You cannot get a visa on arrival at the airport.

The visa process takes about 4–7 working days, plus postage. You will need your passport, a completed application form, a recent photo, and proof of travel plans such as flight and hotel bookings. Some applicants need an invitation letter, but for a standard tourist visa it is usually not required.

There is a 15-day visa-free entry for UK citizens in certain cases, such as transit or specific regional policies, but it is not universal. Always confirm with the CVASC or the Chinese embassy before relying on it. For stays over 30 days, you must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival, which your hotel usually does for you.

The United Kingdom has an embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan. They provide consular assistance to British nationals, including passport replacement and emergency help, but they cannot intervene in visa matters or local law enforcement.

For visa applications, contact the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, not the UK embassy. The embassy is for UK citizens in distress, not for Chinese entry permits.

A 10-day trip to China for one person typically costs £800–£1,500, excluding international flights. The visa is £80–£120. Daily spending is £50–£80 for budget travel, £100–£150 for mid-range, and £200+ for comfort. Flights from London to Beijing or Shanghai start around £400–£600 return in low season.

Internal transport is cheap: high-speed rail between Beijing and Shanghai costs about £60–£90 for second class. Food is a bargain — a street meal is £2–£5, and a sit-down restaurant meal is £8–£15. Attractions like the Forbidden City cost £5–£10. Budget for a VPN (£5–£10) and an eSIM (£10–£20) if you need them.

Direct flights from London (Heathrow or Gatwick) to Beijing or Shanghai take about 11–12 hours. Airlines include British Airways, Air China, China Eastern and China Southern. Indirect flights via Dubai, Doha or Hong Kong take 14–18 hours and may be cheaper.

From Manchester or Edinburgh, you will likely connect through London or a hub. Book 2–3 months ahead for the best fares. The time difference is 8 hours ahead of London (UTC+8), with no daylight saving.

China uses 220 V, 50 Hz, with plug types A, C and I. UK plugs (type G) do not fit, so bring a universal adapter. Most modern chargers handle 220 V, but check your devices. Voltage converters are rarely needed for phones, laptops or cameras.

Tipping is not expected in China. Restaurants, taxis and hotels do not add a service charge, and staff will usually return any extra change. In upscale hotels or tour groups, a small tip of ¥10–¥20 is appreciated but not required. Do not tip in street stalls or small eateries.

In an emergency, dial 110 for police, 119 for fire, and 120 for ambulance. The national tourist hotline is 12301. For consular help, call the UK embassy in Beijing at +86 10 8529 6600. Save these numbers before you travel.

Answers to the most common questions about travelling to China as a UK citizen.

Official government sources for entry requirements and travel advice.