United Kingdom Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese passport holders require a visa to visit the United Kingdom. The Standard Visitor Visa costs GBP 115 (approximately USD 145) and allows stays of up to 6 months. The UK is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Chinese tourists, with London's iconic landmarks, Oxford and Cambridge universities, the Scottish Highlands, and premier shopping.
China passport holders require a visa to enter United Kingdom.
Apply online at gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa, complete the biometric enrollment at a VFS Global (UKVCAS) center in China, and pay GBP 115. Required documents: current and all previous passports, bank statements (3 to 6 months), employment letter and payslips, proof of accommodation, return flights, travel itinerary, and evidence of ties to China (property, family, employment). Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks; priority services are available for an additional fee.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
China to United Kingdom: What You Need to Know
The UK left the EU in 2020 (Brexit) and operates its own independent visa system. A Schengen visa does not cover the UK. Chinese citizens apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa through VFS Global (UK Visas and Immigration's official partner) or directly via UKVCAS application centers in China, which are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shenyang, Nanjing, Jinan, Hangzhou, Xi'an, and other cities. The UK is the most popular European destination for Chinese students, and tourism is driven by a combination of sightseeing, shopping, and visiting friends and relatives.
Practical Tips
VFS Global UKVCAS centers in China are located in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shenyang, Nanjing, Jinan, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Qingdao, Fuzhou, Zhengzhou, Changsha, Tianjin, and Chongqing. London's Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, and shopping on Oxford Street and Harrods are top draws for Chinese visitors. The Oyster card covers London Underground, buses, and overground services. UnionPay and Alipay are accepted at major London retailers. UK uses pound sterling (GBP). Scotland and Northern Ireland also require only the UK Standard Visitor Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Chinese citizens apply for a UK Standard Visitor Visa?
Apply online at gov.uk/standard-visitor-visa. Complete the DS-160-equivalent UK online form, pay GBP 115, then book a biometrics appointment at a VFS Global UKVCAS center in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Shenyang, or 10 other cities). Submit supporting documents at the biometrics appointment. Processing takes 3 to 8 weeks; priority services are available at extra cost.
Does a Schengen visa cover the United Kingdom?
No. The UK left the Schengen Area and the EU (Brexit, 2020) and operates its own visa system. A Schengen visa does not grant entry to the UK. You need a separate UK Standard Visitor Visa if you plan to visit both the UK and continental Europe. Apply for both visas separately before travel.
How much money should I show for a UK visa application?
There is no official minimum, but UK Visas and Immigration expects you to demonstrate sufficient funds for your intended stay without needing to work. As a general guideline, bank statements showing a healthy balance (ideally GBP 2,000 to 5,000 or more depending on trip length and accommodation costs) and 3 to 6 months of consistent bank history are advisable. Sudden large deposits before application are viewed negatively.
What are the top experiences in the UK for Chinese tourists?
London (Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, Oxford Street and Harrods shopping, Harry Potter Studio Tour), Stonehenge, Bath, Edinburgh Castle and the Scottish Highlands, the Lake District, Oxford and Cambridge university cities, and the Jurassic Coast are top highlights for Chinese visitors. The UK rail network (BritRail Pass available pre-purchase in China) connects all major cities efficiently.