Start Your China Visa Application Now
- Fast. VisaCentral specialises in securing China visas and can help you secure a China visa.
- Easy. VisaCentral is the easiest way to get a visa and can secure in as little as one day. We process China visas at the China Embassy every day for residents of the UK.
China Visa FAQs
When is the best time to apply for my China visa?
The best time to apply for your China visa is 1-2 months before your travel date. However, if you are running short on time, we may be able to process your visa on a faster service at the Embassy’s discretion.
Do I have to send you my passport to get a China visa? Is it safe to send a passport?
Yes. You will need to send your actual passport, not a copy of it. The China visa is stamped on your passport and will become one of your passport pages. Visa request cannot be processed without your original passport. Because of the importance of your passport, we strongly suggest that you send your application by a secure method, such as a guaranteed postal service or courier.
Sample of the Business Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens
Passport
The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:
- Have at least two blank visa pages
- Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa
Photographs
One passport sized colour photograph. The photograph must:
- Have a white background
- Be taken within the last six months
Letter of Invitation
A letter of invitation is required. In order to fulfil this particular requirement the applicant can choose from one of the three options detailed below:
A letter of invitation from the company to be visited in China. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
- Be on company letterhead paper
- Include the full address of the inviting party
- Include the fax and phone number of the inviting company
- State the applicant's full name exactly as it appears on their passport
- State the applicant's passport number
- Include the dates, length of stay and number of entries required
- Specify the purpose of the visit
- Bear the seal and signature of the inviting unit
- Be issued within the last six months
- Be supplied in the original for those of Turkish origin
A letter of invitation from the Chinese Foreign Ministry. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
- Be issued by a Duly Authorised Unit
- Bear the seal and signature of the inviting unit
- Be issued within the last six months
- Be supplied in the original for those of Turkish origin
A Confirmation Letter of Invitation. A copy is acceptable. This letter must:
- Be issued by an authorised unit in China
- Bear the seal and signature of the inviting unit
- Be issued within the last six months
- Be supplied in the original for those of Turkish origin
Applicants who supply a Confirmation Letter of Invitation must also supply a letter of invitation from the company to be visited in China
Visa Application Form
One fully completed and signed application form
- Handwritten forms must be completed in block capitals and black ink only
- The application form must be printed on separate sheets of paper
VisaCentral Order Confirmation
For orders placed on the VisaCentral website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.
For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed Manual Order Form should be submitted.
Declaration Form
One fully completed and signed Declaration Form. This form must:
- Be completed only by same day visa applicants
- Be completed in black ink only
- Be signed in the original
Applicants born in Hong Kong (SAR) or China
First time China Visa applicants born in Hong Kong or China or those who have previously held Chinese nationality need to supply their former Chinese Passport and/or Identity Card plus one copy. Applicants applying for a China Visa for the second or subsequent time must supply their current or former passport with Chinese Visa
Applicants who have never held a Hong Kong ID card must supply a cover letter stating this and explaining the reason why. A copy is acceptable.
Same Day Service
Same day service applicants must:
- Hold an original UK residence permit in a passport they can supply or an original UK residency card valid at least six months on visa submission if holding a non-EU passport
- Ensure the visa application form is free of correction fluid
- Be employed by a company that has no connections to the media industry
Multiple Entry Applicants
Same day visa applicants requiring a one year multiple entry must:
- Provide an original passport showing a previous six month or one year multiple entry visa
Same day visa applicants requiring a six month multiple entry must:
- Provide an original passport showing two previous double or one six month multiple entry visa(s)
Appointment System
The Chinese Embassy operates an appointment system for the same day service. The processing time quoted is dependent on the next available appointment and cannot be guaranteed. Current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 2 working days.
Appointments can only be made once a complete application has been received by VisaCentral and only on a first come first served basis.
Sample of the Tourist Travel Requirements for an China Visa for UK Citizens
Passport
The applicant's actual passport. The passport must:
- Have at least two blank visa pages
- Be valid for six months beyond the expiry date of the visa
Photographs
One passport sized colour photograph. The photograph must:
- Have a white background
- Be taken within the last six months
Proof of Travel Arrangements
Details of travel arrangements. This must be provided as:
- A copy of the flight confirmation showing onward/return travel.Double entry applicants must provide flight confirmation(s) showing both dates of entry and exit
Applicants staying in a hotel must provide:
- A copy of the hotel confirmation showing each applicants name
Applicants staying with friends/family must provide:
- A copy of the information page(s) of the hosts passport
- A copy of hosts Chinese visa (where applicable)
- A copy of the invitation letter from the host which must be addressed to the Embassy and include the dates of stay along with the hosts full address and contact details
Visa Application Form
One fully completed and signed application form
- Handwritten forms must be completed in block capitals and black ink only
- The application form must be printed on separate sheets of paper
VisaCentral Order Confirmation
For orders placed on the VisaCentral website, a copy of the Online Order Confirmation which is sent to you via email, must be submitted.
For all other orders, and where applicable, a completed Manual Order Form should be submitted.
Declaration Form
One fully completed and signed Declaration Form. This form must:
- Be completed only by same day visa applicants
- Be completed in black ink only
- Be signed in the original
Applicants born in Hong Kong (SAR) or China
First time China Visa applicants born in Hong Kong or China or those who have previously held Chinese nationality need to supply their former Chinese Passport and/or Identity Card plus one copy. Applicants applying for a China Visa for the second or subsequent time must supply their current or former passport with Chinese Visa
Applicants who have never held a Hong Kong ID card must supply a cover letter stating this and explaining the reason why. A copy is acceptable.
Minors
Children Under the Age of 18
- Parent must sign the Visa Application Form on their behalf
Children Under the Age of 6
- Copy of long birth certificate must be supplied
- Copy of the information page of both parents passports
- Letter of consent signed by both parents
Same Day Service
Same day service applicants must:
- Supply a copy of their hotel confirmation
- Supply a copy of their onward/return flight confirmation
- Hold an original UK residence permit in a passport they can supply or an original UK residency card valid at least six months on visa submission if holding a non-EU passport
- Ensure the visa application form is free of correction fluid
- Be employed by a company that has no connections to the media industry
Appointment System
The Chinese Embassy operates an appointment system for the same day service. The processing time quoted is dependent on the next available appointment and cannot be guaranteed. Current waiting time for an appointment is approximately 2 working days.
Appointments can only be made once a complete application has been received by VisaCentral and only on a first come first served basis.
