China visa for British citizens
Visa required
🇬🇧 British passport → 🇨🇳 China: yes — a visa arranged in advance.
How it works
You'll need a visa arranged in advance through the embassy or consulate (or an authorised visa centre): application form, passport photos, fee, and often proof of funds, accommodation and onward travel. Start early — processing can take weeks.
Before the airport: run the "Will I board?" checklist for this route →
Beyond China: the United Kingdom passport
The 🇬🇧 United Kingdom passport ranks #20 of 199 worldwide, entering 162 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (see the world ranking).
Also visa-free on the United Kingdom passport: 🇯🇵 Japan (90 days), 🇹🇭 Thailand (60 days), 🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates (30 days) — all 162 open destinations.
Going the other way? Chinese citizens visiting the United Kingdom need a visa arranged in advance.
Never get caught out
Visa rules change with little notice. Get one email when China changes its entry rules for British passports.
Capital Beijing · Currency Chinese yuan (¥) · Dialling +86
Before you travel
Sorting your China trip on the United Kingdom passport:
See the whole picture
Every destination for the United Kingdom passport, and everyone who can enter China.
British passport: all destinations Who can enter China Plan the trip