How to Apply for a Visa for China（UK）

I.Basic Documents（For details, please refer to the different requirements of each application center, see below）

1. Passport

Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the bio data page.

2. Visa Application Form and Photo

One completed Visa Application Form attached with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background. Please refer to "Photo Requirements for Chinese Visa Application".

3. Proof of legal stay or residence status (applicable to non-British applicants)

The original and a photocopy of a valid British visa or other proof of legal stay, residence, employment or study in the U.K..

4. Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable to foreign nationals who once held Chinese nationality)

The Chinese passport last held and a photocopy of its data page and permanent residency of foreign country and naturalization paper are required when applying for a Chinese visa for the first time.

The photocopies of data page of the previous passport and previous Chinese visa if current passport does not contain any Chinese visa.

In case the name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, an official document of name change is required.

II. Supporting Documents（For details, please refer to the different requirements of each application center, see below）

F-Visa（Exchange,visits,study tours or other relevant activities）

An invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China. The invitation should contain:

a. Information on the applicant (full name, gender, date of birth, etc.)

b. Information on the planned visit (purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relations between the applicant and the inviting entity or individual, financial source for expenditures)

c. Information on the inviting entity or individual (name, contact telephone number, address, official stamp, signature of the legal representative or the inviting individual)

III.Application Procedure（For details, please refer to the different requirements of each application center, see below）

Applicants need to fill in the electronic visa application form online and make appointments through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in advance, then submit application documents and the biometric information at the Visa Center.（https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/）

IV. Processing Time

(1) Regular Service: Visa will be ready for collection on the fourth working day

(2) Express Service: Visa will be ready for collection on the third working day

V. Fees

For details, please see the latest notice on visa fees on the embassy website

Total charge of an individual visa application = Visa fee + Service fee（ charged by Chinese Visa Application Service Center）

VI. Important Notices

(1) Please fill in the application form truthfully, clearly and completely.

(2) Applicants shall be responsible for the authenticity of the passport, application form, photo and any other supporting documents (including photocopies). Any inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information may lead to an extension of visa approval time, decline or rejection of a visa, or decline of entry into China.

(3) The original documents required will be returned to applicants once verified at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or Chinese Embassy or Consulate General. If not otherwise specified, the copy of documents can be in the form of fax or computer printout.

When necessary, applicants may be informed to attend an interview at the Embassy (Consulate General) or required to provide other proof of documents and to verify the signature on the supporting materials.

(4) Authoritative interpretation remains with Chinese Embassy and Consulate General , should there be any changes to the terms above.

VII.Chinese Visa Application Service Centre

For visa and legalization affairs, please contact Chinese Visa Application Service Centre

Tel: 020-77767888

Fax: 020-77106001 

E-mail: ukcentre@visaforchina.org

Homepage: http://www.visaforchina.org/

London Visa Center F visa materials

From 23rd October, 2023 the London Chinese Visa Application Service Centre will cancel the visa appointment booking system. Visa applicants can directly visit the Visa Centre without appointment with the completed online application form and related supporting documents for visa processing.

Friendly Reminder: Due to a high volume of visa applications, we kindly advise applicants to arrange their application times reasonably,thus preventing unnecessary inconvenience.

(1) Passport

a) Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least 2 pieces of blank visa page. If you are a dual national or multi-national, you are requested to provide all current valid passports in your posession. Additionally, you may be also required to provide your previous passport(s) in support of your application.

b) A photocopy of the passport (the data page that includes the photo, personal information and signature page)

(2) Visa Application Form and Photo

*One recently-taken colour passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a white background (size: 48mm x 33mm) attached.

* Application Form. Fill in the form online and print out the completed application form once finished and sign where appropriate.

Please ensure that you have uploaded the correct photograph of the person detailed in the application form when filling in the online application. The visa centre will reject any application where the uploaded image is of another person. A new application form with an appropriate photograph will be requested if the application form contains another person's photo. If the online form indicates that the photo is not qualified and cannot be uploaded successfully, please be sure to bring an appropriate photograph to the centre when you come to submit your application.

(3) Terms and Conditions

Please read and agree the terms and conditions before starting filling the online application form.

(4) Proof of legal status(applicable for those not applying for the visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your UK legal status(work visa, study visa or residence permit).

(5) Photocopy of previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who have obtained Chinese visas before).

If you have obtained Chinese visas before, you should provide the photocopy of the latest Chinese visa. It might facilitate the Embassy to issue the most appropriate visa to you if you are able to provide copies of any previous 2 years multiple- visas and entry&exit records if you have ever been granted 2 years multiple-entry visa before .

(6) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas(applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship).

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, you should provide the last Chinese passport held and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have obtained Chinese visas before and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should provide original previous passport(s)and present the photocopy of the previous passport's data page and the photo page if it is separate, as well as the previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).

(7) An official invitation letter issued by a relevant unit or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

1. Information of the applicant (incl. full name, gender, date of birth, etc.);

2. Information regarding the planned visit (incl. purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, and details of any financial support to be provided during the stay in China);

3. Information of the inviting party (incl.name, contact telephone number, address, stamp, signature of the legal representative or individual).

(8) Applicants under 18 years old:

a) Application form for those who are under 18 years old should be signed by both parents or their guardian(s). The passports of parent(s) and/or relevant legal documents for the guardians plus passport of the guardians will be needed. Both original and copy of passport information page and signature page. If the application form sign by one of parent, there is a child consent letter (including parent’s signature) need to be provided from the person with parental responsibility for the child to apply visa and travel abroad.

b) Applicants under 18 should also provide the Birth Certificate with parents' names. The Birth Certificate should be either in English or Chinese. If any personal information does not match with the documents provided (such as a name change), an official changing proof documents will be needed. The birth certificate should be either in English or Chinese

c) If parent(s) is holding non British passport, please also provide the original and photocopy of your UK legal status (work visa, study visa or residence permit).

d) Overseas Chinese origin who are under 18 applying Chinese visa for the first time also need to provide both the original and copy of the Birth Certificate with parents information, previous Chinese passport or travel documents if having, UK visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain, Naturalization paper, plus the parents’ passport, UK visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain, or naturalization paper when the applicant was born. All documents need both original and copy. If any personal information does not match with the documents provided(such as a name change), both the original and copy of the changing proof documents which is legalized by FCDO will be needed for the first time applying Chinese visa.

Manchester Visa Center F visa materials

1. Please get the following documents ready:

(1) Visa Application Form and Electronic Photo:

Please click here（https://bio.visaforchina.cn/user/register?site=MAN3_ZH） to create an account and log in your account. You can find Application Form on the right top of the Home Page. Please make sure the visa centre you will attend is Manchester, read and tick "I have read and agree to the User Service Agreement" and click Apply Now. For the first step, you need to upload a recently taken standard photo with white background (See photo specifications below). After filling out the visa application form, please submit and download your application form. Please print out the complete form and sign on the confirmation page (QR code page) and page 6. You may upload a photo for 3 times to continue with your form. If your form says the photo you uploaded is not qualified, please bring a qualified physical photo when you attend the visa centre.

(2) You do not need to book an appointment. Please visit us during our business hours.

(3) Passport: Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least two blank visa pages. A photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page.

(4) Declaration: Please download and sign our Customer Declaration.

(5) Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for a visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates of residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal stay provided by the relevant authorities of the country where the Visa Centre is located.

(6) Photocopy of previous Chinese visas

If you have obtained a Chinese visa before, please provide the photocopy of the last Chinese visa (If your last Chinese visa is on previous passport, please provide a photocopy of the previous passport data page).

(7) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, please provide your last Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page.

If you have ever obtained Chinese visas and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of your previous passport data page, as well as the previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).

We kindly remind you that:

1. Application forms for those who are under 18 years old should be signed by a parent or a guardian. Please be advised to provide birth certificate (original and copy), original Chinese passports or travel documents (original and copy if applicable), passports of both parents (original and copy of information page and signature page) and relevant legal documents of the guardians (original and copy) and passport of the guardians (original and copy of passport data page and signature page).

Notice:

(1) If there is a personal information change on any of the above-mentioned documents, please make a statement and present relevant proof.

(2) The birth certification should be in either English or Chinese.

2. A valid Chinese visa on an expired UK passport is good for travelling to China provided it is used together with a new valid UK passport bearing the same name, sex, data of birth and nationality. If any change is made to the above-mentioned information on the new passport, a new visa shall be applied.

2. Documents requested regarding visa category

An official invitation letter issued by a relevant unit or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(1) Information of the applicant (incl. full name, gender, date of birth, etc.);

(2) Information regarding the planned visit (incl. purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, and details of any financial support to be provided during the stay in China);

(3) Information of the inviting party (incl.name, contact telephone number, address, stamp, signature of the legal representative or individual).

3. Notice

(1) According to the requirements of Chinese Embassy and Consulate General, as of 30 April 2018, you may need to come to the Visa Centre in person to submit your application and your fingerprints may be collected. If you want to apply through a travel agency or someone else, the agency/entrusted person will be responsible to confirm with you about the submission and fingerprint collection.

(2) Each applicant must provide all the documents mentioned above. Applicants may not share the supporting documents for their applications.

(3) All the Documents except required original, may be in the form of fax, photocopy or scanned copy, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original documents. All non-original documents must be clear and neat. The inviting individual in China should also provide a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID or visa and residence permit in China.

(4) If necessary, the consular officer will require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, which may not be listed on this website, in accordance with individual cases or different circumstances.

(5) According to Chinese laws and regulations, the consular officer may request an interview with the applicants and collect their ten fingerprints.

(6) The consular officer will decide on whether to issue the visa or not and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

Edinburgh Visa Center F visa materials

1. Please get the following documents ready:

(1) Visa Application Form and Electronic Photo:

Please click here（https://bio.visaforchina.cn/user/register?site=EDI3_ZH） to create an account and log in your account. You can find Application Form on the right top of the Home Page. Please make sure the visa centre you will attend is Edinburgh, read and tick "I have read and agree to the User Service Agreement" and click Apply Now. For the first step, you need to upload a recently taken standard photo with white background (See photo specifications below). After filling out the visa application form, please submit and download your application form. Please print out the complete form and sign on the confirmation page (QR code page) and page 6. You may upload a photo for 3 times to continue with your form. If your form says the photo you uploaded is not qualified, please bring a qualified physical photo when you attend the visa centre.

(2) You do not need to book an appointment. Please visit us during our business hours.

(3) Passport: Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and with at least two blank visa pages. A photocopy of the passport's data page and the photo page. If you are a dual national or multi-national, you are requested to provide both orignal and photocopy of data page of all current valid passports in your possession. Additionally, you may be also required to provide your previous passport(s) in support of your application.

(4) Declaration: Please download and sign our Customer Declaration.

(5) Proof of legal status (applicable for those not applying for a visa in their country of citizenship)

If you are not applying for a visa in the country of your citizenship, you must provide the original and photocopy of your valid certificates of residence, employment or student status, or other valid certificates of legal stay provided by the relevant authorities of the country where the Visa Centre is located.

(6) Photocopy of previous Chinese visas

If you have obtained a Chinese visa before, please provide the photocopy of the last Chinese visa (If your last Chinese visa is on previous passport, please provide a photocopy of the previous passport data page).

(7) Photocopy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas (applicable for those who were Chinese citizens and have obtained foreign citizenship)

If you are applying for a Chinese visa for the first time, please provide your last Chinese passport and a photocopy of its data page, the orignal and a photocopy of Indefinite Leave to Remain UK visa, and the orignal and a photocopy of Naturalization paper.

If you have ever obtained Chinese visas and apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, you should present the photocopy of your previous passport data page, as well as the previous Chinese visa page (If your name on the current passport differs from that on the previous one, you must provide an official document of name change).

We kindly remind you that:

1. Applicants under 18 years old (Start from 12th January 2024 ):

a) Application form for those who are under 18 years old should be signed by parent(s) or their guardian(s) on confirmation page (QR code page) and page 6. The parent who does not sign the application form for the Child also need to provide a content letter to address he/she agrees that the child to apply for a Chinese visa and entry into China. The valid passports of parents and/or relevant legal documents for the guardians plus passport of the guardians will be needed. Please provide photocopy of passport information page and signature page.

b) Applicants under 18 should also provide the Birth Certificate with parents' names. The Birth Certificate should be either in English or Chinese. If any personal information does not match with the documents provided (such as a name change), the official changing proof documents will be needed.

c) Overseas Chinese origin who are under 18 applying Chinese visa for the first time also need to provide both the original and photocopy of the Birth Certificate with parents information, previous Chinese passport or travel documents if having, UK visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain, Naturalization paper, plus the parents’passports, UK visa or Indefinite Leave to Remain of parent(s), or naturalization paper of parent(s) when the applicant was born. All documents need both original and copy. If any personal information does not match with the documents provided(such as a name change), both the original and copy of the changing proof documents which is legalized by FCDO will be needed for the first time applying Chinese visa.

2. A valid Chinese visa on an expired UK passport is good for travelling to China provided it is used together with a new valid UK passport bearing the same name, sex, data of birth and nationality. If any change is made to the above-mentioned information on the new passport, a new visa shall be applied.

2. Supporting Document

An official invitation letter issued by a relevant unit or individual in China. The invitation letter should contain:

(1) Information of the applicant (incl. full name, gender, date of birth, passport number,etc.);

(2) Information regarding the planned visit (incl. purpose of visit, arrival and departure dates, place(s) to be visited, relationship between the applicant and the inviting party, and details of any financial support to be provided during the stay in China);

(3) Information of the inviting party (incl.name, contact telephone number, address, stamp, signature of the legal representative or individual).

3. Special notes

(1) According to the requirements of Chinese Embassy and Consulate General, you may need to come to the Visa Centre in person to submit your application and your fingerprints may be collected. If you want to apply through a travel agency or someone else, the agency/entrusted person will be responsible to confirm with you about the submission and fingerprint collection.

(2) Each applicant must provide all the documents mentioned above. Applicants may not share the supporting documents for their applications.

(3) All the Documents except required original, may be in the form of fax, photocopy or scanned copy, but the consular officer may require the applicant to submit the original documents. All non-original documents must be clear and neat. An issuer of invitation letter who is an individual in China should also provide a photocopy of his/her Chinese ID.

(4) If necessary, the consular officer will require the applicant to provide other proof documents or supplementary materials, which may not be listed in the website, in accordance with individual cases or different circumstances.

(5) According to Chinese laws and regulations, the consular officer may have an interview with the applicants and collect their ten fingerprints.

(6)The consular officer will decide on whether to issue the visa or not and on its validity, duration of stay and number of entries in light of specific conditions of the applicant.

(7)An expired UK passport with a valid Chinese visa is good for travelling to China while it is used together with a new valid UK passport bearing the same name ,sex ,data of birth and nationality. If any changes are made to the above mentioned information on the new passport , a new visa shall be applied.

Useful links：

Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

http://gb.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/

Chinese Visa Application Service Center

https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/

Remark：For more detailed questions, you can visit the website.

Photo specifications: