UK entry requirements for travellers from China
Visa requirement summary
Chinese passport holders need a visa to visit the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival option for Chinese nationals — you must apply and receive approval before you travel.
For tourism, visiting family or friends, or short business trips, the right visa is the Standard Visitor visa. It covers stays of up to 6 months and applies whether you are travelling to London, Edinburgh, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK.
The Standard Visitor visa costs £115 and is applied for online through the UK government’s visa service. Once approved, your visa is issued as an eVisa — a digital record linked to your passport — rather than a physical sticker.
How long you can stay
A Standard Visitor visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit.
If you travel to the UK regularly, a long-term visitor visa valid for 2, 5, or 10 years may be worth considering. These allow multiple visits without reapplying each time, though each individual stay is still capped at 6 months.
Passport validity requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the UK. There is no requirement for additional validity beyond your departure date, but it is sensible to have several months of validity remaining, as a passport close to expiry can cause problems with airlines at check-in.
Proof of funds and financial requirements
UK border officers and visa caseworkers may ask you to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your visit. There is no published minimum amount, but you must be able to show sufficient funds to cover accommodation, living costs, and your return journey.
Bank statements are the most commonly requested supporting document when applying. You may also be asked about your finances at the UK border on arrival.
Onward or return travel
You must demonstrate that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your permitted stay. A confirmed return or onward travel booking is the clearest way to show this. You may also be questioned about your plans at the border, so having your itinerary ready is sensible.
Applying for the visa
Applications for a Standard Visitor visa must be submitted online through the UK government’s visa application service before you travel. You will need to attend a visa application centre in China to provide your biometric information — fingerprints and a photograph — as part of the process.
Once approved, your visa is issued as an eVisa linked to your UKVI account. You must set up a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) account to access it, and the eVisa must be linked to the passport you intend to travel with. Carry that passport when you travel, as border officers verify immigration status electronically.
The UK no longer issues physical visa stickers.
Health requirements
There are no vaccination requirements for routine travel from China to the UK. You do not need to show proof of any specific vaccination to enter.
Transit through the UK
Chinese passport holders require a visa even if only transiting through a UK airport. If you are transiting airside and not passing through border control, a Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available. If you will be passing through border control, a Standard Visitor visa is required.
FAQs
Do Chinese passport holders need a visa for the UK?
Yes. Chinese nationals must apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK. There is no visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangement.
How much does a UK visitor visa cost for Chinese nationals?
The Standard Visitor visa (up to 6 months) costs £115. Long-term visitor visas valid for 2, 5, or 10 years are available at higher fees, with each stay capped at 6 months.
How long can I stay in the UK on a visitor visa?
Up to 6 months per visit. You cannot extend a Standard Visitor visa or use repeated visits to live in the UK on a rolling basis.
Is there a physical visa sticker?
No. UK visas are issued as eVisas — a digital record linked to your UKVI account and passport. You will not receive a sticker. Make sure your eVisa is linked to the passport you are travelling with.
Do I need a visa to transit through the UK?
Yes. Chinese passport holders require a visa for airside transit through a UK airport. A Visitor in Transit visa (£64) is available if you are only changing flights and will not pass through border control.