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.
Get a China Visa
Important Information
Appointment-Based System & Processing TimesThe Chinese Consulate requires that all visa applicants in the United Kingdom aged 14 to 70 to submit fingerprints at designated facilities in Edinburgh. 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:
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.
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. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 3 weeks.
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.
Business Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens
Fingerprint Submission
If you are aged between 14 and 70 and applying for a multiple-entry visa, 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.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
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.Letter of Invitation
Copy of Passport
This must be provided as a clear colour copy of all pages of the applicant's current passport.Declaration Form
One fully completed Declaration Form which can be found in the pack and must be signed in the originalCIBTvisas Order Confirmation
Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.
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.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.
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
Travel to Tibet
Travellers entering Tibet must complete the additional Tibet Declaration Form, click here. A copy is accepted.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.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).
Five Year Visa Applicants
Applicants applying for a 5 year visa are required to provide copies of all previous visasAdvised 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 TimesThe Chinese Consulate requires that all visa applicants in the United Kingdom aged 14 to 70 to submit fingerprints at designated facilities in Edinburgh. 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:
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.
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. The current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 3 weeks.
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.
Tourist Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens
Fingerprint Submission
If you are aged between 14 and 70 and applying for a multiple-entry visa, 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.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
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.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.
Copy of Passport
This must be provided as a clear colour copy of all pages of the applicant's current passport.Declaration Form
One fully completed Declaration Form which can be found in the pack and must be signed in the originalCIBTvisas Order Confirmation
Provide the CIBTvisas Order Form included in this kit.
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.
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
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.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.
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).
Travel to Tibet
Travellers entering Tibet must complete the additional Tibet Declaration Form, click here. A copy is accepted.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.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
