China
China is one of the world's oldest civilizations. Its long and rich history is present in people's thinking and values, and in the art, architecture, and feats of engineering that remain from dynasties past. Wikivoyage
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Can I go? Entry and visas
From GOV.UK, for United Kingdom passports, updated 27 August 2026:
Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.
This policy applies to all holders of standard British passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen.’ Holders of British Crown Dependency passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen’ are eligible for this policy.
If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.
If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.
If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.
Passport validity
To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
If you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Your embassy in China
Finding embassies…
For a lost passport, an arrest or an emergency.
China's embassy in United Kingdom
Finding embassies…
For a visa before you go.
Entry rules change, sometimes overnight. Always confirm with the official source before you book or travel. This is a pointer, not legal advice.
Good to know
Emergency numbers in China
- Currency
- Chinese Yuan (CNY)
- Time
- UTC+6 to UTC+8
- Plugs and power
- Types A, C, I · 220 V
- Driving
- On the right
- Calling code
- +86
- Languages
- Chinese
- Capital
- Beijing
From Wikidata, Unicode CLDR (currency, languages) and the IANA time zone database; checked 10 October 2026.