United Kingdom visa for Chinese citizens
Visa required
🇨🇳 Chinese passport → 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: 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.
Heads-up: United Kingdom commonly asks for proof of onward travel (airline check-in and border).
Before the airport: run the "Will I board?" checklist for this route →
Beyond United Kingdom: the China passport
The 🇨🇳 China passport ranks #105 of 199 worldwide, entering 83 destinations without a visa arranged in advance (see the world ranking).
Also visa-free on the China passport: 🇦🇱 Albania (90 days), 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days), 🇧🇾 Belarus (30 days) — all 83 open destinations.
Going the other way? British citizens visiting China need a visa arranged in advance.
Never get caught out
Visa rules change with little notice. Get one email when United Kingdom changes its entry rules for Chinese passports.
Capital London · Currency British pound (£) · Dialling +44
Before you travel
Sorting your United Kingdom trip on the China passport:
See the whole picture
Every destination for the China passport, and everyone who can enter United Kingdom.
Chinese passport: all destinations Who can enter United Kingdom Plan the trip