China Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens: The 30-Day Rule

Why this is new

The United Kingdom was only added to China's unilateral visa-free list on 17 February 2026 — before that, UK passport holders needed a regular visa for any trip to China, unlike many EU countries that had already been visa-free for business and tourism since 2023–2025. If you last checked before February 2026 and were told you needed a visa, it's worth checking again: that has changed.

What visa-free entry covers

Business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchange visits, and transit are all covered. It does not cover work, study, or journalistic activities — those still require a regular visa, regardless of how long the stay is.

How the 30-day period is counted

The 30-day limit is counted in calendar days starting the day after entry — the day of entry itself doesn't count. It doesn't matter whether you travel alone or as part of a group. There's currently no limit on the number of separate trips within the rule's validity period; each individual trip just can't exceed 30 days.

China's digital arrival card

An arrival card must be filled in before or on entry to China. Since 20 Nov 2025 it can be completed online in advance via the National Immigration Administration's portal, the "移民局12367" app, or a WeChat/Alipay mini-program — or at the airport via QR-code scan or the classic paper form if you haven't pre-filled it. Last verified: 2026-07-30.

Registering your stay

Under Chinese entry-exit law, every stay by a foreign visitor has to be reported to the local security authorities. At a hotel, this is handled automatically at check-in. If you're staying in private accommodation — with friends, relatives, or a private rental — you (or your host) must register in person at the local police station within 24 hours of arrival. Some rural areas apply different deadlines, so check locally if in doubt.

If you want to stay longer

If the visa-free period isn't enough, there are two options: apply for a regular visa matching your actual purpose before the trip, or — if you only realize you need more time after arriving, for a valid and sufficient reason — apply for a residence permit at the local Exit-Entry Administration. Extensions aren't automatic, so it's better to plan ahead than rely on one.

Traveling with someone who holds a different passport?

Every nationality has its own rules. Look up any country individually in the China Visa Checker.

FAQ