Important Information

Appointment-Based System & Processing Times
The Chinese Consulate requires that all visa applicants in the United Kingdom aged 14 to 70 to submit fingerprints at designated facilities in Manchester. Your application cannot be considered complete by the Consulate without fingerprints.

CIBTvisas offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure that your documentation is accurately prepared and that a fingerprint appointment can be scheduled as soon as possible. Our range of services includes:
  • Assistance in completing the China Application Form in order to avoid unnecessary delays to the submission of the application
  • Quality checking of your application and supporting materials to ensure it is complete, and minimising the risk of refusal at the Consulate
  • The booking of the fingerprint collection appointment


Once you have placed your order please complete the China Application Form and upload your documents securely at https://cibtvisas.co.uk/upload-forms?service=china. Once your China Application Form has been completed and your documents have been assessed by one of our specialists, a CIBTvisas consultant will contact you to set up an appointment for the fingerprint collection.

Applicants will need to attend the appointment in person where they will be required to submit their fingerprints, the visa application form and supporting documents. Payment of the consular fee will be made by the applicant at the time of fingerprint collection.


For an even more comprehensive range that includes CIBTvisas submitting and collecting the application on your behalf and a CIBTvisas specialist meeting you at your consular fingerprinting appointment, please select "London" as your preferred location. The Chinese Consulate in London offers a nationwide service and accepts applicants from anywhere in the United Kingdom. 

Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens

  1. Fingerprint Submission

    If you are aged between 14 and 70, your China visa application will not be considered complete until you have submitted fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre. After we have received all the materials required in support of your visa application we will call you to schedule an appointment to submit fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre located in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Our service includes a standard appointment which is available on a first come, first serve basis.

  2. Passport

    The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:

    • Have at least two blank visa pages
    • Be valid six months beyond entry date
    • Be issued as a full validity passport 
    • Not be damaged in any way

  3. Visa Application and Photograph

    Complete the enclosed China Application Form. Then send it and the rest of your documents to the CIBTvisas office address listed on the submission checklist page of this application pack. We will provide you with your official China application form, for your signature, when we meet you before your consular fingerprinting appointment.


    Upload your photograph at https://cibtvisas.co.uk/photo-service. For guidance on how to submit an acceptable photograph refer to the China Photo Guide contained in this Application Pack.

  4. Letter of Invitation

    A letter of invitation is required. In order to fulfil this particular requirement the applicant can choose from one of the two options detailed below:


    A letter of invitation from the company to be visited in China. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
    • Be printed on A4 company letterhead paper
    • Be addressed to the Embassy of China, United Kingdom
    • Include the full name, address, fax and phone number of the inviting company
    • State the applicant's full name, passport number, date of birth and gender exactly as it appears on their passport
    • State the relationship between the applicant and the inviter
    • State the applicant's source of financial support whilst in China
    • State the date of issue (dd/mm/yyyy) and be issued within the last three months
    • Include the date(s) of entry and exit, lenght of stay, and number of entries required
    • Specify the place and purpose of the visit
    • Bear the official general company stamp, departmental stamps will not be accepted
    • State the inviter's name as per passport in Chinese characters, including the contact telephone number as well as the address, and be signed by the legal representative or individual.
    • Not be an email

    Important: Invitations must be correctly signed by the inviting party in China. A detailed and simple guide can be found in our Applications Forms & Guidelines section


    Or


    A letter of invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. A copy is acceptable.

  5. Copy of Passport

    A clear colour photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant's passport

  6. Declaration Form

    One fully completed Declaration Form which can be found in the pack and must be signed in the original

  7. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

  8. Multiple Entry Applicants

    Applicants are advised that the issuance of a visa valid for more than one entry is not guaranteed and is issued solely at the visa officers discretion. The Embassy's decision will be final and cannot be contested by CIBTvisas.

  9. Current or Previous Visa Holders

    Specific requirements apply to travellers renewing or requesting another Chinese visa. Additional documentation must be provided where a Chinese visa has been previously issued and any valid Chinese visa must be cancelled before an application for a new one can be made.

    Travellers must:

    • Supply the original (current or cancelled) passport containing the most recently issued Chinese visa (valid or expired), together with a copy of the information pages of the passport and a copy of the Chinese visa.
    • Provide a personal statement requesting the cancellation of the current valid visa. A copy is accepted. Click here to access a sample personal statement.
    • Provide a personal statement if the passport containing the previous visa cannot be submitted. Click here to access a sample personal statement.
    • Supply a clear copy of marriage/deed poll certificate if the old passport was issued in a different name to the new one, together a clear copy of their spouse's passport if applicable.

  10. Dual Nationals

    Applicants holding dual nationality must:

    • Apply on their UK passport where a UK passport is held or on their EU passport where a EU passport is held or on the passport containing the UK visa/permit if the traveller doesn't hold a UK or EU passport
    • Supply both original passports, a copy of the identification pages of each passport, and a copy of the identity card, if applicable. If the applicant cannot provide both original passport, an original statement explaining why this is not possible may be accepted as long as stating something other than being used for travel.
    • Be a UK resident, stay in the country while the application is being processed, and apply for standard processing as express processing is not available for dual nationals

  11. Travel to Tibet

    Travellers entering Tibet must complete the additional Tibet Declaration Form, click here. A copy is accepted. 

  12. Applicants of Chinese Origin

    Travellers born in Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao, must provide additional documentation to apply for their Chinese visa. Please contact CIBTvisas at 0844 8004650 for further information.

  13. Five Year Visa Applicants

    Applicants applying for a 5 year visa are required to provide copies of all previous visas

  14. Media or Religion Related Professionals

    Applicants whose occupation includes media or religion related activities must include a personal statement from the applicant's UK employer. A colour copy is acceptable. This letter must specify the nature of the business of the company, the applicant's job title, and the nature of the visit in China. The media-related employer must also state that the applicant will not carry out any media or religion related activities whilst in China (including filming, reporting and journalism).

  15. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having CIBTvisas subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. CIBTvisas will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow

Important Information

Appointment-Based System & Processing Times
The Chinese Consulate requires that all visa applicants in the United Kingdom aged 14 to 70 to submit fingerprints at designated facilities in Manchester. Your application cannot be considered complete by the Consulate without fingerprints.

CIBTvisas offers a comprehensive range of services to ensure that your documentation is accurately prepared and that a fingerprint appointment can be scheduled as soon as possible. Our range of services includes:
  • Assistance in completing the China Application Form in order to avoid unnecessary delays to the submission of the application
  • Quality checking of your application and supporting materials to ensure it is complete, and minimising the risk of refusal at the Consulate
  • The booking of the fingerprint collection appointment


Once you have placed your order please complete the China Application Form and upload your documents securely at https://cibtvisas.co.uk/upload-forms?service=china. Once your China Application Form has been completed and your documents have been assessed by one of our specialists, a CIBTvisas consultant will contact you to set up an appointment for the fingerprint collection.

Applicants will need to attend the appointment in person where they will be required to submit their fingerprints, the visa application form and supporting documents. Payment of the consular fee will be made by the applicant at the time of fingerprint collection.


For an even more comprehensive range that includes CIBTvisas submitting and collecting the application on your behalf and a CIBTvisas specialist meeting you at your consular fingerprinting appointment, please select "London" as your preferred location. The Chinese Consulate in London offers a nationwide service and accepts applicants from anywhere in the United Kingdom. 

Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens

  1. Fingerprint Submission

    If you are aged between 14 and 70, your China visa application will not be considered complete until you have submitted fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre. After we have received all the materials required in support of your visa application we will call you to schedule an appointment to submit fingerprints at a China Visa Application Service Centre located in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Our service includes a standard appointment which is available on a first come, first serve basis.

  2. Passport

    The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:

    • Have at least two blank visa pages
    • Be valid six months beyond entry date
    • Be issued as a full validity passport 
    • Not be damaged in any way

  3. Visa Application and Photograph

    Complete the enclosed China Application Form. Then send it and the rest of your documents to the CIBTvisas office address listed on the submission checklist page of this application pack. We will provide you with your official China application form, for your signature, when we meet you before your consular fingerprinting appointment.


    Upload your photograph at https://cibtvisas.co.uk/photo-service. For guidance on how to submit an acceptable photograph refer to the China Photo Guide contained in this Application Pack.

  4. Proof of Travel Arrangements

    Details of travel arrangements. This must be provided as:

    • A copy of the flight confirmation showing each applicant's name and the onward/return travel.
    • A copy of the hotel confirmation showing address and phone number along with each applicant's name and check in and out dates.  This confirmation must cover the whole duration of stay in China.

  5. Copy of Passport

    A clear colour photocopy of the information page(s) from the applicant's passport

  6. Declaration Form

    One fully completed Declaration Form which can be found in the pack and must be signed in the original

  7. CIBTvisas Order Confirmation

    Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.

  8. Current or Previous Visa Holders

    Specific requirements apply to travellers renewing or requesting another Chinese visa. Additional documentation must be provided where a Chinese visa has been previously issued and any valid Chinese visa must be cancelled before an application for a new one can be made.

    Travellers must:

    • Supply the original (current or cancelled) passport containing the most recently issued Chinese visa (valid or expired), together with a copy of the information pages of the passport and a copy of the Chinese visa.
    • Provide a personal statement requesting the cancellation of the current valid visa. A copy is accepted. Click here to access a sample personal statement.
    • Provide a personal statement if the passport containing the previous visa cannot be submitted. Click here to access a sample personal statement.
    • Supply a clear copy of marriage/deed poll certificate if the old passport was issued in a different name to the new one, together a clear copy of their spouse's passport if applicable.

  9. Dual Nationals

    Applicants holding dual nationality must:

    • Apply on their UK passport where a UK passport is held or on their EU passport where a EU passport is held or on the passport containing the UK visa/permit if the traveller doesn't hold a UK or EU passport
    • Supply both original passports, a copy of the identification pages of each passport, and a copy of the identity card, if applicable. If the applicant cannot provide both original passport, an original statement explaining why this is not possible may be accepted as long as stating something other than being used for travel.
    • Be a UK resident, stay in the country while the application is being processed, and apply for standard processing as express processing is not available for dual nationals

  10. Applicants of Chinese Origin

    Travellers born in Taiwan, Mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macao, must provide additional documentation to apply for their Chinese visa. Please contact CIBTvisas at 0844 8004650 for further information.

  11. Minors

    One parent must complete and sign section 5 of the Visa Application Form.  

    Children under the age of 18 are requested to provide the following documents:
    • Original and copy of long birth certificate
    • Original passports of both parents plus a copy of their information page(s)
    • Original and copy of their Indefinite Leave to Remain permit where applicable
    • Old Chinese passport or People's Republic of China Exit and Entry Permit if applicable

    CIBTvisas is unable to assist children who are applying for their first visa and whose parent(s) holds a Chinese passport as they must apply in person for their visa.

  12. Media or Religion Related Professionals

    Applicants whose occupation includes media or religion related activities must include a personal statement from the applicant's UK employer. A colour copy is acceptable. This letter must specify the nature of the business of the company, the applicant's job title, and the nature of the visit in China. The media-related employer must also state that the applicant will not carry out any media or religion related activities whilst in China (including filming, reporting and journalism).

  13. Travel to Tibet

    Travellers entering Tibet must complete the additional Tibet Declaration Form, click here. A copy is accepted. 

  14. Five Year Visa Applicants

    Applicants applying for a 5 year visa are required to provide copies of all previous visas

  15. Travelling from Hong Kong

    A personal statement must be provided when travelling from Hong Kong overland to a Chinese city that is easily reached by land.

  16. Advised Traveller Service (Highly Recommended)

    Stay informed and safe by having CIBTvisas subscribe you to the Government Foreign Travel Advice Email Alerts. Registration enables you to receive the most up-to-date travel advice regarding safety, security, entry requirements, travel warnings and health. CIBTvisas will register the email address provided in the order. To enroll in this optional service, add this option to your order within the order flow

View a China Visa

Want to see what a visa to China looks like? You can view a sample visa for China and see what information it contains.

Learn More

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