China Visa Rules 2026
Last checked: 6 April 2026
Planning a trip to mainland China with a full British citizen passport? This guide explains the current tourist entry rules for UK travellers, including whether you need a visa, how long you can stay, passport validity rules, what Chinese border officers may ask to see, electronic systems now in use, costs, and the official government links to check before travel.
This article is restricted to tourist entry for UK citizens. It does not cover work, study, residence permits, journalism, volunteering, or long-stay immigration routes except where needed to explain what does not apply to a normal holiday.
This article covers mainland China. Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration controls and different entry rules.
China uses the renminbi (RMB / CNY) and is not part of the Schengen area.
Important travel note: China is a major tourist destination, but it is not a zero-risk one. The FCDO does not currently show a mainland-China-wide no-travel warning on the page reviewed, but it does publish specific regional risk advice for places such as Tibet, Xinjiang, and the China-Myanmar border.
Index
- 1. Travel note and insurance
- 2. Quick answer
- 3. Passport and stay rules
- 4. What Chinese border control may ask for
- 5. Electronic systems in use, or coming soon
- 6. Costs for UK tourist entry
- 7. Official UK and Chinese government links
- 8. Frequently asked questions
1. Travel note and insurance
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) does not currently appear to list a mainland-China-wide no-travel advisory on the official page reviewed.
That does not mean risk-free travel. The FCDO says that no travel can be guaranteed safe and that, if you choose to travel, you should research your destination and arrange appropriate travel insurance.
- Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region: you need a permit, you must travel on an organised tour, and restrictions can change without notice.
- Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region: there is a heavy security presence, a history of violent unrest, and the British Embassy’s ability to help there is limited.
- China-Myanmar border: the FCDO says violence on the Myanmar side has occasionally spilled over into China.
So while mainland China is currently straightforward from a tourist-entry point of view, it is still sensible to check the latest regional advice shortly before departure, especially if you are planning a specialist itinerary outside the standard big-city tourist route.
2. Quick answer
No tourist visa is currently required for a UK citizen visiting mainland China for a normal short holiday, provided the trip fits within the current temporary visa-free policy.
For most British tourists, the key points are:
- Until 31 December 2026, ordinary UK passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchange, or transit.
- Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
- Your passport must have 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
- If your stay will exceed 30 days, you need to apply for a visa before travel.
- China now allows foreign travellers to complete the arrival card online before travel, although paper cards are still available.
- I did not identify a separate mainland China tourist ETA for an ordinary visa-free UK tourist trip.
- Hong Kong and Macao have different entry rules.
In simple terms, an ordinary UK tourist can currently visit mainland China without applying for a tourist visa in advance, as long as the trip is for no more than 30 days and falls within the current visa-free period.
3. Passport and stay rules
If you are travelling to mainland China as a tourist on a full British citizen passport, your passport should meet these conditions:
- It must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China.
- It must have at least 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
- You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or if you try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
The current UK guidance says that, until 31 December 2026, UK citizens can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and certain other short-stay purposes.
If you want to stay longer than 30 days, or if your trip is for work, study, journalism, or another purpose outside the current waiver, you need to apply for the correct Chinese visa before you travel.
There are also separate visa-free and transit arrangements that can matter in special cases. For example, the current UK guidance points to Hainan visa-free entry for some routes and to visa-free transit options that can allow a stay in China for up to 10 days, depending on the route and conditions.
If you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland under a visa route outside the current waiver, you need to make sure your visa allows that additional entry.
You must also register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. If you are staying in a hotel, they will normally do this for you when you check in.
If you overstay your visa or permitted stay, the current UK guidance says the authorities may fine, detain and deport you.
4. What Chinese border control may ask for
For a normal UK tourist trip, the key official requirements focus on a valid passport and compliance with China’s entry and registration procedures.
- A valid passport
- Your arrival card details, whether completed online or on paper
- Medical screening compliance, if screening is being used on arrival
- Your passport entry stamp once you have passed immigration
The current UK entry guidance says you may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may involve body-temperature scanning and, more rarely, tests such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests, or medical examinations. The same guidance says you may be refused entry if you do not comply.
Chinese authorities also enforce the 24-hour residence registration rule with regular spot checks of foreign nationals’ documentation, so that is an important part of lawful tourist entry even though it happens after you cross the border.
There are also strict rules on goods you can take into or out of China. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
In practice, it is sensible to keep your passport, arrival details, accommodation information, and onward or return travel plans easy to show if asked.
5. Electronic systems in use, or coming soon
China currently uses several official electronic systems for foreign visitors, but I did not identify a separate mainland-China tourist ETA for an ordinary visa-free UK tourist trip.
There are four systems worth knowing about:
China online arrival card
Starting from 20 November 2025, foreign nationals may submit their arrival card information online before travelling to China. Official Chinese sources say this can be done through the National Immigration Administration website, government service platforms, the NIA 12367 app, WeChat or Alipay mini programmes, or by scanning the official QR code. If you do not complete it in advance, you can still do it on arrival or use a paper arrival card.
China Online Visa Processing System
For travellers who still need a visa, the China Online Visa Processing System was launched by the Chinese Embassy in the UK on 31 March 2025. This lets applicants fill out forms and upload materials online before the in-person or visa-centre part of the process.
240-hour visa-free transit
China also runs a 240-hour visa-free transit policy. Official NIA guidance says it currently applies to nationals of 55 countries, including the United Kingdom, and allows eligible travellers with onward tickets to a third country or region to stay in designated areas for up to 10 days. This is not the main route for most UK tourists right now, because the broader 30-day visa-free policy is usually simpler, but it is still an important official system.
Biometric exemption for some short-term visa applicants
If you do need a visa, the Chinese Embassy in the UK says that from 17 December 2025 to 31 December 2026 it is exempting short-term visa applicants with stays of up to 180 days from fingerprint collection, with some exceptions. So there is a current facilitation measure in place for certain visa-required travellers.
So the current position for UK tourists is:
- No mainland China tourist visa is required for a normal short UK trip at present
- No separate mainland China tourist ETA identified right now
- China now allows online arrival card completion
- China also uses the Online Visa Processing System for travellers who still need visas
- China also operates the 240-hour visa-free transit system
6. Costs for UK tourist entry
China uses the renminbi (RMB / CNY). For a normal UK tourist visit right now, the official entry costs are simple because the current short-stay tourist route is visa-free.
Approximate pound conversions below use the Bank of China exchange rate visible on 7 April 2026 of 100 GBP = RMB 910.27.
| Item | Does it apply to a normal UK tourist? | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| China tourist visa for a normal short UK tourist trip until 31 December 2026 | No | CNY 0 (£0) |
| China online arrival card | Yes | CNY 0 (£0) |
| 240-hour visa-free transit permission | Only in some itineraries | CNY 0 (£0) |
| Regular China visa fee for UK citizens if the trip falls outside the current visa-free waiver | Not applicable to a normal short British tourist visit right now | CNY 583 (about £64) |
| 5-year multiple-entry China visa fee for UK citizens, if specifically needed | Not usually needed for a normal short tourist trip | CNY 1,165 (about £128) |
| 10-year multiple-entry China visa fee for UK citizens, if specifically needed | Not usually needed for a normal short tourist trip | CNY 1,739 (about £191) |
Important: the visa-fee rows above come from the Chinese Embassy in the UK’s reduced 2026 fee schedule. If you actually need a visa, the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre may also charge a separate service fee, so check the current total before paying.
7. Official UK and Chinese government links
Use these official pages before booking, before travel, and again shortly before departure:
- UK Government travel advice for China
- UK Government China entry requirements
- UK Government foreign travel checklist
- Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom
- Chinese Embassy in the UK, guidelines for visa applications
- Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London
- National Immigration Administration online arrival card
- National Immigration Administration visa-free transit policies
- Bank of China exchange rates
If your circumstances are unusual, for example dual nationality, former Chinese citizenship, a passport close to expiry, or a specialist itinerary to Tibet or Xinjiang, rely on the official pages above rather than third-party websites.
8. Frequently asked questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for China?
For mainland China, not for a normal short tourist trip at present. Until 31 December 2026, ordinary UK passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism and certain other short-stay purposes.
How long can a British tourist stay in mainland China without a visa?
Up to 30 days under the current temporary visa-free policy.
How long must my passport be valid for China?
Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive in China, and it should have 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
Does this China advice also cover Hong Kong and Macao?
No. Hong Kong and Macao have separate immigration controls and different entry requirements.
Do I need to complete an arrival card for China?
Yes, in practice you still need arrival-card information. China now allows foreign travellers to complete the arrival card online before travel, but paper cards remain available and some travellers can complete the process on arrival.
Is the China online arrival card free?
Yes. Official Chinese sources say the online arrival card service is free of charge.
Does China have a tourist ETA right now?
We did not identify a separate mainland China tourist ETA for an ordinary visa-free UK tourist trip in the official sources reviewed.
What is the China Online Visa Processing System?
It is the official online system launched in the UK in 2025 for travellers who still need a visa. It lets applicants fill out forms and upload materials online before the visa-centre stage.
What is China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy?
It is a separate transit arrangement for eligible nationals, including UK citizens, allowing up to 10 days in designated areas if you are transiting to a third country or region and meet the official conditions.
Do I need to register with the authorities after arriving in China?
Yes. You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels normally do this for you when you check in.
Are there special tourist rules for Tibet?
Yes. The FCDO says you need a permit to travel to Tibet, and you must travel on an organised tour arranged through a specialist travel agent in China.
Are there regional risks in Xinjiang?
Yes. The FCDO says there is a significant security presence, a history of violent unrest, and limited British consular help in Xinjiang.
Final check before travel
For most UK tourists, the current answer is much simpler than it used to be: you do not currently need a tourist visa for mainland China for a normal short stay of up to 30 days. The main things to get right are your passport validity, your arrival card, your 24-hour residence registration, and your route planning if your trip includes sensitive regions such as Tibet or Xinjiang. Because the current visa-free policy is time-limited, it is especially important to check the official pages again shortly before departure.
