The China Tourist Visa (L visa) allows UK travellers to visit China for tourism, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends. It is available in up-to-2-year, 5-year, and 10-year options.
Help Desk : 0203 916 5786
- Monday - Friday 09:00 am - 05:00 Pm
- 17 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1BN
China Tourist Visa
Apply for a China Tourist Visa From the UK
With changing requirements and documentation rules, applying for a Chinese tourist visa from the UK can feel overwhelming. Continental Visa provides expert support to make the entire process smooth and stress-free — from document review to biometric appointment booking.
- Document Review & Form Completion
- Regular, Express & Urgent Options
- Biometric Appointment Booking
Overview
What Is the China Tourist Visa?
The China Tourist Visa (L visa) allows UK travellers to visit China for tourism, sightseeing, and visiting family or friends. Unlike a simple e-visa, the China visa process involves a formal application, a pre-approval stage, and — for most applicants — a biometric appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Centre.
When applying for a China tourist visa from the UK, you go through several steps, and a small mistake may lead to delays or rejection. Continental Visa guides you throughout the process: reviewing your documents, keeping you updated with the latest visa rules, completing the application form accurately, arranging your biometric appointment, and checking for common errors before submission.
Think of us as your support partner for your China tourist visa application — trusted, UK-based, and experienced.
Travelling for business instead? If your trip involves meetings, trade fairs, or corporate ventures, the China Business Visa is the right route. For all China visa options, see our China visa hub.
Required Documents
China Tourist Visa Requirements from the UK
To apply for a visa to visit China from the UK, you will need the following documents. We review everything carefully before submission.
1
Valid UK Passport
A valid UK passport with at least 190 days’ validity remaining and containing two blank pages.
2
Completed Application Form
The online visa application form, completed accurately. We assist with this on your behalf.
3
Passport-Size Photograph
A recent passport-sized photograph meeting Chinese visa photo specifications.
4
Proof of Travel
Confirmed flight bookings showing your travel dates to and from China.
5
Hotel Booking Confirmation
Confirmation of your accommodation arrangements for the duration of your stay.
6
Travel Itinerary
A travel itinerary outlining your planned trip within China.
7
UK Immigration Share Code
Required for non-UK passport holders to confirm immigration status in the UK.
Price List
China Tourist Visa Price List
Pricing depends on visa duration and processing speed. A service handling fee of £95 per application applies in addition to the visa fees below. The prices shown are for UK passport holders.
| Visa Type / Service | Fee (GBP) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 Years — Regular | £130 | 9–12 Days |
| Up to 2 Years — Express | £161 | 4–5 Days |
| Up to 2 Years — Urgent | £182 | Next Day |
| 5 Years — Regular | £194 | 9–12 Days |
| 5 Years — Express | £225 | 4–5 Days |
| 5 Years — Urgent | £246 | Next Day |
| 10 Years — Regular | £257 | 9–12 Days |
| 10 Years — Express | £288 | 4–5 Days |
| 10 Years — Urgent | £309 | Next Day |
Service handling fee: £95 per visa application, payable in addition to the visa fees above. Other nationalities are priced separately by entry type — contact us for a quote. Important: the Chinese Embassy operates a pre-approval system; processing times begin only after approval is granted. We recommend applying at least 4 weeks before travel.
Our Process
How Continental Visa Manages Your Application
From completing your application form to your passport being returned, we manage every step of your China tourist visa.
1
Complete the Online Form
Fill out our online China visa application form with your travel details.
2
Document Review
We review your details and confirm exactly which documents are required for your application.
3
Biometric Appointment
Attend your biometric appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Centre, if required for your application.
4
Visa Issued & Returned
Once approved, your visa is issued and your passport returned securely via Royal Mail or DHL.
Why Continental Visa
Why Choose Continental Visa
The China visa process is detailed and unforgiving of small errors. Our team makes sure your application is filed correctly the first time.
Fast Options
Regular, express, and next-day urgent processing options to suit your travel date.
Document Review
We check every document against current Chinese Embassy requirements before submission.
Secure Passport Handling
Your passport is handled securely and returned via guaranteed Royal Mail or DHL courier.
Friendly Expert Team
A friendly, experienced team ready to assist with every step of your application.
UK-Based Specialists
Trusted UK-based visa specialists with years of experience in Chinese visas.
ICO Registered
UK-registered consultancy (ICO: ZC091062) with full GDPR compliance.
Common Questions
China Tourist Visa — FAQs
Answers to common questions about this visa. For specific queries, please contact us directly.
-
What is the China Tourist Visa?
-
What documents do I need for a China Tourist Visa?
You need a valid UK passport with at least 190 days’ validity and two blank pages, a completed application form, a passport-size photograph, proof of travel, hotel booking confirmation, and a travel itinerary. Non-UK passport holders also need a UK immigration share code.
-
How long does a China Tourist Visa take to process?
Continental Visa offers regular (9–12 days), express (4–5 days), and urgent next-day processing. The Chinese Embassy operates a pre-approval system, and processing times begin only after approval is granted — so we recommend applying at least 4 weeks before travel.
-
How much does a China Tourist Visa cost?
China Tourist Visa fees for UK passport holders start at £130 for an up-to-2-year visa on the regular service, rising with longer durations and faster processing. A £95 service handling fee applies per application in addition to the visa fee.
-
Do I need a biometric appointment for a China visa?
Most applicants must attend a biometric appointment in person at the Chinese Visa Application Centre. Continental Visa arranges this appointment for you as part of the service.
Ready to Apply for Your China Tourist Visa?
Contact us to learn more about Saudi Arabia visa applications from the UK and experience hassle-free travel to the Kingdom. We'll confirm the right visa and provide a tailored quote within one working day.
Request a Consultation