Fifth Timezone TravelUnited Kingdom Passport Holders: China Visa Policy 2026
英国 · 中国签证政策
Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for China?
No — visa-free entry
United Kingdom ordinary-passport holders can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per entry (trial policy).
- Maximum stay
- Up to 30 days
- Policy type
- Visa-free entry (trial)
- Last updated
- September 17, 2026
Official policy notes官方政策说明
British citizens holding ordinary passports may enter China for tourism visa-free for a maximum of 30 days per entry, on a trial basis until December 31, 2026.
Visa and transit rules are set by China's National Immigration Administration and may change; the final call at the border always rests with border inspection officers. Our consultants re-verify your case before any booking is confirmed.
The 240-hour visa-free transit, in short240小时过境免签
Enter via approved ports with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region, and stay up to 10 days — travel between cities inside China is allowed.
- 55 nationalities eligible — most of Europe, CIS and the Americas; visa-free nationalities can of course also use it.
- Up to 10 days — the whole stay must fit within 240 hours from entry, and travel between cities inside China is allowed.
- Designated ports only — major international airports and seaports: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, Kunming, Harbin and more.
- Confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region — leaving mainland China for somewhere other than where you arrived from. Border officers check this.
United Kingdom travelers ask常见问题
Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for China?
No — United Kingdom ordinary-passport holders can currently enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days per entry (visa-free entry (trial)). Rules are set by China's National Immigration Administration and re-verified by our consultants before any booking is confirmed.
How long can United Kingdom passport holders stay in China per entry?
Up to 30 days per entry under the current visa-free entry (trial) policy. Your admitted duration is stamped by the border officer on arrival — the stay must be completed within that window.
Can United Kingdom passport holders use the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Yes — and in practice you rarely need it: full visa-free entry (up to 30 days) already covers tourism and business visits. Countries on the full visa-free list may of course also use the 240-hour transit; our lists show each country's best available policy.
What documents does a United Kingdom traveler show at China immigration?
Just an ordinary passport — no application form and no embassy visit. Keep your return flight booking and hotel addresses at hand in case officers ask about the purpose of your visit.
Read next · 延伸阅读
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