How to Get a Chinese Visa from the UK

Planning a trip to China with your little ones? Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but with a bit of preparation, it can be a smooth journey. Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my recent experience applying for visas with my family (6 adults and 2 toddlers). 

Disclaimer: the information in this article is based on our experience and the information available to us when applying for a Chinese visa from the UK in March 2024. Please refer to official visa authorities for the most up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and exemptions.

1. Online Application

The first step is to fill out the online visa application. Note there are lots of travel agents online advertising the a service to complete the visa on your behalf so make sure you visit the official Chinese Visa Application Service center website. You are recommended to apply for your visa at least 3 months before travel to ensure there is enough time for it to be processed correctly. 

You’ll need to upload a passport-style photo, and there are strict conditions for the size and position of your head in the photo. The system will reject any photo that doesn’t meet the criteria. I took a photo using my phone against a white wall but had to edit out the background for it to be accepted. The same process applied for my daughter’s photo, though, as you can imagine, it was much trickier to keep her still!  

Be prepared to provide your employment history as part of the application. If you’re applying for visas for children, you’ll need to fill out a separate application for each child and the forms will need to be signed by both parents. Fortunately, the online system allows you to copy details from a previous application, making it easier to fill out multiple forms. 

Once you complete each application, you’ll receive an application reference number and a PDF of the full application to print. 

2. Book Your Appointment 

Applicants aged 14 to 70 are required to submit the application in person, as well as provide biometric information. You can book your visa appointment online by choosing a day and time you want to visit (subject to availability). Don’t expect to be seen at your exact appointment time — when you arrive, join the queue and follow the process. 

Note: children under the age of 14 are not required to leave biometric information and therefore don't need to attend the appointment.

3. Documents for the Appointment 

Once you have completed the online application form, you will receive information about what documents you will need to bring to support your application. Below is a guide of some documents you will most likely need. You will need paper copies for each person applying so make sure you bring enough. 

• Printout of your online application PDF 

• Your original passport 

• Photocopy of your passport 

• Printout of your outbound and return flight  

• Printout of hotel bookings OR your invitation from a Chinese mainland national  

• Make sure your hotel booking has your name on it (and everyone you are travelling with) as this will serve as proof of where you are staying for your trip 

• You will also need to have proof of accommodation for the duration of your visit 

You may also need the following: 

• Previous passport if you have been to China before and been issued a Chinese visa 

• Proof of settled status if you’re not a British Citizen 

For children, you’ll also need: 

• Printed copy of their birth certificate 

• Printed copy of any absent parent’s passport  

• If the child travels with a single parent, they must also provide a travel consent form from parent or guardian who are not accompanying them 

4. Getting to the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre 

The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, 12 Old Jewry, City of London, London EC2R 8DU, is a short walk from Bank station (leave Bank tube station at Exit 1, continue on Princes Street, turn left when you see the Bank of China then turn left again to Old Jewry Street).  

The office opens at 9am and I was 3rd in line after arriving at 8.20am, but by 8.45am there were probably about 60 people behind me already so my recommendation would be to get there as early as possible.  

5. Waiting 

As I was 3rd in line, my wait was short, however, it can be a very long wait and I’ve heard some people waiting for about 2-3 hours. There’s a waiting area with seating and LED screens showing the current numbers being called. However, it can get very crowded so if you can’t get there early, then be prepared to wait.  

6. The Appointment 

When your ticket number is called, the screen will indicate which window to go to. There were 6-10 windows operating when I was there.  

Some tips for the appointment: 

• Desktop computers are available with printers so you can print off any documents you are missing – the printing was free despite what the signs say (at least when we went)

• We hadn’t booked all of our accommodation yet so at the office I needed to use booking.com to book 2 nights which were outstanding – if you need to do this remember to pick somewhere which is pay at property and which has free cancellation  

• There is a photo booth at the visa centre (my sister used the same photo in her 6 year old passport as her visa application which was rejected by the clerk as it was deemed too old, so she needed to use the photo booth on the day) 

The clerk will advise if there is any paperwork missing and once all your paperwork is in order, the clerk will bundle up your passport and application and give you a ticket to make payment. You’ll need to leave your passport with them for the visa to be affixed, which usually takes about a week.

Next, you’ll be advised to proceed downstairs for payment.

7. Payment 

In London, the payment desk is downstairs. The queue here is much shorter, and I waited for about 30 minutes. You can choose to collect your passport back at the centre in about a week or ask for it to be posted for an extra fee (~£15). You can pay for your visa using a credit or debit card, but American Express is not accepted.  

Chinese visa for British Nationals is currently £130. This is the standard option which permits multiple entries and is valid for 2 years. My wife's visa was slightly cheaper at around £90 as she applied with her Swedish passport, so if you're not applying with a British passport, the price might vary.  

8. Passport Collection 

You don’t need to book an appointment for collection, instead, just come back to the Centre after about 1 week and bring your collection slip (note: you can also collect passports on other people’s behalf if you have their collection slips). 

When you return to collect your passport, tell the staff at the door you are here for collection, and you will bypass everyone waiting to apply for their visas and be able to head downstairs to collect your passport. The wait for collection was much shorter and the entire visit took less than 30 mins in total. 

Summary 

I hope this guide helps make your visa application process a bit easier. The information is subject to change so please ensure you always check the official websites for the most recent advice. 

Safe travels and enjoy your adventure in China! You may find this guide on what to do in Beijing with your child useful.