Do United Kingdom citizens need a visa for China?
No, not for short trips. United Kingdom passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits or transit, for up to 30 days, until 31 December 2026 under the current policy.
Your options
30-day visa-free entry
Ordinary passports, any open port, anywhere in mainland China, up to 30 days per visit. Purposes: tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges, transit. Current end date: 31 December 2026.
240-hour visa-free transit
Up to 10 days when travelling between two different countries or regions via China, with a confirmed onward ticket. Enter and leave through one of 65 designated ports and stay inside the permitted areas of 24 provinces.
Hainan 30-day visa-free entry
Enter Hainan directly and stay up to 30 days on the island. Going on to the mainland needs a visa.
24-hour transit
Any nationality can connect within 24 hours without a visa, as long as you stay inside the airport or port.
Work, study and journalism always need a visa, whatever your nationality.
Check your exact trip (dates, purpose, onward ticket) →Guidance only. Border officers make the final decision. Check the official notice before you fly.
Official sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (China Consular Service) · 2026-07-21
- National Immigration Administration · 2026-02-17
- National Immigration Administration · 2026-08-20
- National Immigration Administration · 2026-08-20
- Hainan Provincial Government · 2026-08
Last checked: 25 October 2026