Can UK citizens go to China without visa?


Can UK citizens go to China without visa? All travellers British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China, including Hainan Island, but not Hong Kong or Macao.


Can foreigners travel freely in China?

Foreign citizens travelling to a third country or region through China by plane, ship or train may stay up to 24 hours in China without a visa. The application for a preliminary entry permit at the Chinese border is a requirement for the visa-free entry.


Can I go to Shanghai without a visa?

If your visit meeting related visa-free transit or visa waiver regulations, you may enter and stay in Shanghai within limited area and duration for a certain period. Otherwise, you have to apply for a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) ahead of depature to tour Shanghai.


How long does it take to get a visa to China?

The timeline for visa processing can vary depending on various factors. On average, the visa processing time for China is around 4-5 business days. However, it can take longer if there are any issues with your application or if there is a high volume of applications being processed.


Can you book a flight to China without a visa?

The short answer is yes, you will most likely need a visa for China. Citizens of most countries do require a tourist visa to travel to China for any period of time, and most travellers receive a standard 30-day single-entry tourist visa for a trip to the mainland.


Is Chinese visa hard to get?

For a standard tourist visa, passport holders of countries with high GDP will not find applying very difficult. It becomes more challenging when you are applying outside of your home country, want to stay longer, or want to visit restricted areas like Xinjiang or Tibet.


Can I get a visa on arrival in China?

Foreigners normally need to obtain a visa for a trip to China before departure, while in certain cases they are likely to get a China visa on arrival at entry ports. The validity counts from the day following your entry and only one entry is allowed. Once you exit from China, the VOA expires.


What countries are visa free for UK citizens?

As of September 2023, UK citizens can travel visa free to 184 countries and territories:
  • Albania.
  • American Samoa **
  • Andorra.
  • Anguilla.
  • Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Argentina.
  • Armenia.
  • Aruba.