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Latest UK-China travel updates – flights, entry requirements and visa processes

Following the relaxing of pandemic-related travel restrictions, including quarantine requirements for inbound travellers, British and Chinese airlines are resuming their regular services to China for the first time in over two years.

The British Chamber looks forward to increased business engagement in 2023 as a result of these changes – read on to find out more about the latest flights available, entry policies and visa requirements.

Flights between the UK and China increasing

British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic have both announced that they will reinstate their daily flights to China – BA’s flight Shanghai-bound flight will depart from Heathrow on 23 April, while Beijing-bound flights will begin from 3 June, operating four flights a week.

Virgin Atlantic will also resume flights to Shanghai, with the first flight leaving on 1 May. Several Chinese airlines are also operating direct flights to China, including Air China (to Beijing), China Southern (to Guangzhou), and China Eastern (to Shanghai).

There are of course many other flight routes to China involving transfer via Europe, Hong Kong, or other destinations – if taking a non-direct route, please note pandemic/visa requirements in the transit country as well.

Click here to read more about the new flights (in English), or visit airlines’ websites directly for full ticketing information.

Entry requirements to China

As of 8 January 2023, all travellers to China need a negative PCR test to enter the country – this should be done within 48 hours of your flight TO CHINA  – please note these timings if you are transiting through a third country. Tests are available at major UK airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh airports, or you can search for a local provider. Companies such as Randox have multiple locations across the UK providing PCR tests for travel – click here to read the full list of Randox testing locations.

This test result will be checked upon your departure from the UK, and a physical printout is recommended. You will also be asked to fill in a Health Declaration Form from China Customs on arrival in China – a QR code will be available to scan and complete this form upon arrival.

Please note all children over 2 years old also require a negative PCR test result.

Entry requirements to the UK

If you are travelling to the UK from China, you are also required to take a pre-departure Covid test (as of 5 January 2023) for anyone aged 12 and over. Please note the test result must include ENGLISH translation – please check in advance with your local hospitals to find one which can provide testing in English.

The test can be either printed or in the form of an email or text message – to read the full list of requirements, please click here to visit the UK government website.

Visa requirements

Getting a chinese visa as a uk national.

Applications for business visas, work visas and other visa types are open, although tourist visas remain unavailable for the time being.

The UK has Chinese visa centres in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. After making an online application, applicants will be required to attend the visa centre in person and have their fingerprints collected (excepting children 13 and under, and adults 70 and over).

To find out more about Chinese visa requirements and to apply directly, click here to see the latest announcement from the Chinese Embassy in the UK (updated on 8 January 2023).

Getting a visa for the United Kingdom as a Chinese national

The visa type you need will depend on the purpose and length of your stay – the UK government has a tool on their website for you to check the visa type you need to apply for. There are 15 UK visa centres in China; please note you will need to apply online and confirm your appointment before attending in person.

Click here to find out more about how to get a UK visa – guidance available in Chinese once you select which visa you are applying for. To find out where your nearest UK visa centre is and what you need to bring, please click here .

Please note that this article is up-to-date as of its publication on 6 February 2023. Travel requirements may change at any moment – we recommend you follow the links provided in this article to the UK government websites and Chinese Embassy in the UK for the most up-to-date information.

If you or your business are facing any issues with flights, visas or entry requirements, please let us know at:

[email protected]

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Can I travel to China? Travel rules from the UK explained 

By Connor Sturges

In December 2019, a cluster of Chinese citizens in Wuhan reported mysterious flu-like symptoms in what became the start of a pandemic that would change the world as we knew it. Countries closed their borders and leading scientists embarked on a mission to create effective vaccines, leading many travellers to rediscover the wonders on their doorsteps and the concept of the great British staycation .

Fast forward to January 2023, and China is welcoming tourists once again. Hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens will be hoping to travel domestically to join family ahead of Chinese New Year and see in the Year of the Rabbit, while curious international travellers are adding the country to their bucket lists once again for the year ahead.

These are the entry requirements, and the UK government's advice, as of Monday 9 January 2023.

Can I travel to China from the UK, and back again?

Yes, with some restrictions. After almost three years of Covid stalling China’s tourism industry, Thursday 5 January 2023 marked the opening of China’s borders to the world once again. However, as of Monday 9 January 2023, China remains in the midst of a Covid surge, meaning strict rules are in place for travellers wishing to visit the country.

What are the entry requirements for China?

Since international flights to China resumed on Thursday 5 January 2023, all travellers are required to take a pre-departure PCR Covid test in the 48 hours prior to travel. 

Once confirmed, a negative PCR test result can be submitted by filling in a health declaration form on the  China customs website . Negative results can also be submitted on the China customs app or a registered WeChat account. 

Travellers who display symptoms of fever on arrival in China may be asked to take a further antigen test. Self-quarantine will be imposed in the event of a positive test result and mild symptoms, while travellers can be sent to medical institutions for treatment if symptoms are more severe.

The UK government website recommends that all travellers pack a supply of medication to treat flu-like symptoms. It is also recommended that accommodation is stocked with additional food, water and medical supplies in case you are mandated to isolate.

What are the rules on returning to the UK from China?

All travellers aged 12 and over must obtain a negative pre-departure Covid test result no more than two days prior to travelling back from mainland China to the UK. Results are checked by airlines and Border Force officials in the UK. These rules currently apply to travellers on direct and indirect flights, and those arriving in England as a final destination plus anyone transiting through England.

Test results can be provided in the form of a printed document, an email, or text message, and must contain the following information:

• A full name that matches the name on travel documents
• Date of birth or age
• Result of the test
• Date the test sample was collected or received by the test provider
• Name of the test provider and their contact details
• Confirmation of the type of test taken, which can be a lateral flow or PCR

NHS-provided tests cannot be used as pre-departure tests. In addition to the required pre-departure tests when returning from mainland China, travellers arriving at London Heathrow Airport may be asked to undertake a voluntary test on arrival, as part of the UK government’s monitoring of potential new variants.

Are there any other entry requirements for travel to China?

According to the latest UK government website, travellers wishing to visit China on a British Citizen passport can do so by:

• Obtaining an “Invitation Letter” or “Verification Confirmation of Invitation” issued by a provincial foreign affairs office or department of commerce (M or F visa)
• Obtaining a “Notification Letter of Foreigners Work Permit” (Z visa)
• Visiting a family member with a Z, M, or F visa
• Intending to visit a family member who is a Chinese citizen or who holds a Chinese permanent residence permit
• Qualifying for a high-level talent (R) visa
• Qualifying for a transport crew (C) visa

Visa applications must be made, in person, at a Visa Application Centre. Note that biometric data (scanned fingerprints) has to be provided as part of the application process. Chinese Visa Application Centres in London , Manchester and Edinburgh are operating, but with limited opening hours. The Belfast centre remains closed.

More details, including the process for submitting forms for those still eligible, can be found on the Chinese Embassy website.

For more information and updated rules, visit the   UK government website before travelling. We also recommend ensuring you have valid   travel insurance with Covid cover before taking any trips.

Could UK visitors be granted visa-free entry to China?

China recently granted visa-free entry to citizens of six countries. but why was the uk left off the list.

On 24 November 2023, China announced a new visa-free entry policy for ordinary passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia, effective from 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024. This policy allows for business and tourism for up to 15 days per entry.

The timing of this announcement and the countries selected have prompted speculation. Apart from Malaysia, which on 26 November announced that Chinese tourists could visit the country visa-free for 30 days, none of the other countries have reciprocal visa-free agreements in place for Chinese visitors.

Nevertheless, the announcement roughly coincided with a meeting between China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, and comes ahead of a scheduled EU-China Summit in early December. These events aim to improve relations and facilitate travel for foreign investors from European countries, aligning with China’s broader strategy to attract investors and strengthen economic ties in the face of an economic slowdown and a decrease in foreign investment.

The move is part of the gradual softening of China’s entry requirements following the lifting of its Covid-era restrictions in early 2023. China resumed its pre-Covid visa and entry policies in March 2023, including the 144-hour visa-free transit policy , which allows foreign travellers transiting through the country to enjoy a six-day stay in certain Chinese cities without a visa. Later, in September 2023, the country rolled out simplifications to its visa application form, reducing the amount of information related to educational background, family members, and travel history applicants need to provide.

It is hoped that this latest move will serve as a trial for wider visa-free entry policies, and that more countries will be added to the exemption in the future.

There has been no indication of if or when UK visitors can expect the same visa-free entry, and the British government has made no specific comment on the announcement. Relations between the UK and China have cooled somewhat in recent years, which could well have pushed the UK further down the list of countries likely to be granted visa-free travel.

Although some have speculated that David Cameron ’s surprise return to government could signify the resumption of a more gung-ho attitude to cooperation with China, at a recent Global Investment Summit at Hampton Court Palace, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasised that the UK’s ties with China would not return to the so-called ‘Golden Era’, saying that China had changed, and “it’s right that [the UK’s] strategy evolves to take account of that.” Nevertheless, the UK has still been taking steps to strengthen its economic and trade relationship with China, especially following former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly ’s visit to China in August 2023. “The only way to influence China is to engage with China,” Mr Cleverly stressed in a video shared on the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s (FCDO) social channels at the time. “That is why I’m here in Beijing. That is why I am meeting with Chinese ministers. That is why diplomacy is so incredibly important.”

In conclusion, while the UK is not included in China’s current visa-free policy, the situation remains dynamic. As recently as October 2023, China removed the requirement to make an appointment to apply for a visa at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre and will now allow walk-ins. The ongoing developments in international relations and China’s broader strategy of economic integration and facilitation of global travel could potentially lead to future changes in visa policies for UK travellers. For now, business and other travellers from the UK must adhere to the existing visa application procedures.

Robynne Tindall

Robynne Tindall is FOCUS's Editorial Manager

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*To  apply for the emergency humanitarian visa for the purpose of arranging funeral matters or visiting a family member in critical medical conditions in China, applicants shall submit the identity document of the deceased or critically ill patient (such as a Chinese identity card or a foreign passport), a death certificate or a medical certificate of the patient issued by the hospital, proof of kinship, and other necessary documents as required.

III.  Application Procedures:

To apply for the above visas, applicants are required to fill in the online application form and make an appointment on the  Chinese Visa Application Service Centre  (CVASC) website before submitting applications in person on the date of the appointment and having their  ten fingers ’ fingerprints collected. Children under the age of 14 and adults above the age of 70 are not required to go to the  CVASC  for such biometric information collection. Please contact the CVASC for specific procedures, visa application requirements, processing time and fees.

IV.  Diplomatic, service or courtesy visa applicants shall also submit applications at the CVASC. The applicants are not required to pre-book time slots, but shall complete and print out the online application forms in advance.

V.  Foreign nationals who apply for visas for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Macao Special Administrative Region can submit applications to the  CVASC  during business hours with no need for pre-booked appointments.

VI.  Visa applications for visiting purposes which are not included above will not be accepted at the moment.

VII.  Holder of a valid Chinese residence permit, or valid permanent documents and APEC Business Travel Cards ( excluding Virtual ABTC) does not need to apply for a new visa for entry into China .

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• 10-Year Visa

10-Year China Visa for UK Citizens

How long can i stay in china on a 10-year visa, who are eligible for a 10-year china visa.

The 10-year Tourist (L), Business (M), or Private Visit (S2) visa is available for all UK citizens provided that they have been granted a 5-year China visa before. Therefore, for many applicants, actually the first step is to get a 5-year China visa by meeting either of the following requirements: 1. The applicant has been granted two or more 2-year China visas by the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in UK. 2. The applicant has been granted one China visa with the validity of two or more years, and has visited China for at least three times each year in the past two years. However, British spouses and children of Chinese citizens, and spouses and children of British Chinese, with the invitation from their Chinese family members can directly apply for a 10-year Q2 visa once they meet the above requirements.  

What documents do I need to prepare?

1. A valid passport with the remaining validity of at least six months. It means your passport may expire during the validity of your 10-year China visa. In such a case, you can travel with both passports to enter China, saving the trouble of applying for a new visa. 2. A printed application form which has been completed online on the website of the CVASC center. 3. Documents justifying for your reasons for the travel, for instance, round-trip tickets and hotel booking for tourism purpose, an invitation letter from your business partner in China for commercial purpose…  

How to apply for 10-year China visa in UK?

1. Navigate to the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC). On the homepage, select the CVASC in London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Belfast according to their service areas. 2. Complete the Chinese Visa Application Form on the website of the respective CVASC office. Then print it out and sign on it. 3. Collect other documents such as your passport, round-trip tickets, hotel bookings… 4. Submit your application to the CVASC on the appointed date and pay the visa fee. 6. Collect your visa on the date shown on your pick-up slip.  

How much does a 10-year China visa for UK citizens cost?

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How to Get a China Tourist Visa in UK for British Citizens

Which country automatically comes to your mind when you talk about the East? I doubt China won’t be the first! As one of the biggest countries in Asia (and one with the richest culture and history, no doubt), China has been one of the most prominent Asian countries, especially during the past few years. Its economy, along with its tourism industry is just booming.

You’ll find that China is like a mixture of the past, present, and future all in one large mass of land. You’ll be surprised at how towns can go from being a modern metropolitan area bustling with people and cars to a historical landmark in just a blink of an eye.

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• 10 Traditional Chinese Medicine Activities You Can Do in Beijing, China

However, this is just a small peek of what China is. It’s not easy to encapsulate in a few words just how China should make it to your travel list with a history spanning at least 3 millennia. If you want to know what China’s all about, let me give you a few tips on how you can get to this country using your UK Passport.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts About China

Capital: Beijing

Country Code: +86

Languages Spoken: Mandarin (widely spoken among all the Chinese languages), English

Currency: Chinese Yuan (RMB)

Emergency Numbers: 110 for the Police, 120 for the Emergency Center, 122 for any traffic accidents, 12110 SMS alarm for the Police, 12395 for Search and Rescue Center (emergencies in water), 119 for Fire Alarm

Requirements for China Tourist Visa

• Passport with at least 6 months remaining validity as well as a photocopy of the passport’s data and photo
• Filled out a copy of the Visa Application Form
• A recently-taken color photo with a white background ( here are the requirements)
• Proof of legal stay or residence status in if you’re not applying for the visa in your country of citizenship
• If you’re not applying in your country of citizenship, you must provide the original as well as a photocopy of your valid visa or certificate of stay as well as employment or student status in the country where you’re staying (if applicable)
• A copy of previous Chinese passports or previous Chinese visas should you have any
• Documents showing your itinerary in China, hotel accommodation, round trip tickets, and if applicable, an invitation letter sent by a relevant entity or individual in China (you can also get something like this from a tour operator should you decide to book your trip with one), a cover letter may come in handy as well

Step-by-Step Procedure in Applying for China Tourist Visa

1. Gather all the necessary documents for your application

2. Create an appointment with the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to drop off your application here

3. Arrive at the Visa Center on the day of your visit with your documents

4. Have your on-site photo taken while your passport is being scanned

5. Submit your application at the counter after your number is called

6. Fill out the payment-due slip which will be given by the staff to you if your application is accepted

7. Pay the visa fee, service fee, postal service fee, etc.

8. Retain the pickup form which you’ll be showing once your China Tourist visa is ready for pick up

9. Track the status of your application here and pick it up when it’s ready

• You might be asked to attend an interview depending on the requirements of the Chinese Embassy. They will give you a time for the interview and you have to come back to the embassy on the dot.
• If you want to receive your passport through the post, please provide a prepaid, traceable envelope with the assigned receiving address when submitting. There will be an extra charge if the visa center will be the one to provide an envelope for you.
• You should also fill out the Payment Authorization Form in case you need to get a refund or you need to be charged additionally by the center through your debit card.
• You must submit your application and collect your passport by yourself. If, in any case, there’s something that’s preventing you from coming to their office personally, you may have someone apply for you. Just make sure that you have prepared all the documents and have signed all that needs to be signed.

Where You Can Apply for China Tourist Visa

LONDON 12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU Telephone: +44 (0)20 7776 7888 Fax: +44 (0)20 7710 6001 Email: [email protected]

EDINBURGH 2nd Floor, Exchange Tower 19 Canning Street City of Edinburgh EH3 8EG United Kingdom Telephone: 0131 2292519 Fax: 0131 2291598 Email: [email protected]

MANCHESTER Ground Floor, 81 Mosley Street Manchester, M2 3HR Telephone: 44- 1612361070 Fax: 44-1612361070 Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions about China & China Tourist Visa

1. How long does it take to process the application for a China Tourist Visa?

You can choose to have the standard service where you can get the visa on the 4th working day, or express service where you can get the visa on the 3rd working day (still subject for approval).

2. How much does it cost to apply for a China visa?

Here are the rates for applying for a Visa (inclusive of VAT):

• Regular Service: £151
• Express Service: £182
• Postal Return: £175

3. How long is my visa’s validity?

The Chinese visa is typically valid for 3 months and allows a UK Citizen to stay in their country for a maximum of 15 days.

4. How far ahead can I apply for a Chinese visa?

You should apply at least 1 month ahead of your trip to China. Since visas are only valid for around 3 months, you wouldn’t want to risk getting it expired before your trip.

5. Can I extend my stay in China?

Yes! You can visit a local public security office before your visa expires to let them know that you’d like to get an extension for your stay.

Please note that there’s no guarantee that your request may be granted and also, do not overstay in the country as it is punishable by law.

6. Can I work using my Chinese Tourist (L) visa?

Not! We all know how strict China can be with their rules and regulations. If you’re interested in working in China, there’s an appropriate visa available in the country which you must apply for.

7. Should I get travel or medical insurance upon visiting China?

The government suggests that you do, just in case you’ll need it. One of China’s problems is the typhoon season as it’s conveniently located within the Pacific Ring of Fire. You’ll never know if you’ll need it.

8. Will I need a translator when in China?

According to some accounts, you will not have trouble finding people who speak English while you’re there, contrary to popular belief. However, if you go to the countryside, there might be a possibility that some people might not understand you.

In this case, it’s handy to download a translator on your phone just to make sure you can communicate the basics with the locals.

9. Can I use my local currency when paying in China? Can I use my credit card?

Foreign currency is not readily accepted as a method of payment, especially in local stores, tourist sites, etc. You can have your money exchanged at foreign exchange counters or banks. You may also use ATMs when you arrive at the airport.

As for credit cards, you may use them to pay major establishments in the cities but it might be hard to use them (or you might not even be able to use them at all!) in the rural areas.

10. How do I go around?

Since most roads in China have already improved and it’s a steadily growing country, you’ll find different methods of transportation while you’re there. Taxis, buses, subway… you name it!

11. Is it easy to get WiFi access in China? Can I use my mobile phone while in China?

The Internet is available anywhere in China. However, some major sites like Facebook and Google are banned and can only be accessed through VPNs. 

As for your mobile phone, you may use it after it’s unlocked by your carrier. You may also opt to buy a SIM card while you’re there, but you will need to present your passport when doing so.

12. Is China safe for tourists?

While you have to always be vigilant as to when you’re in any other country, China is a pretty safe destination for tourists.

There is, however, a travel advisory released by the UK Government regarding the rising air pollution index levels in China. It’s always best to check this information in real-time to avoid any health problems that might be caused by the level of pollution in the air.

13. Can I visit Hong Kong or Macau while I’m in China with the same visa?

No. This already counts as entering another country so unless you’re eligible to enter these two nations without a visa or by getting a visa on arrival, you have to apply for a separate one.

14. Where should I go while in China?

That’s a tough question because honestly, China’s so big and so full of things to do or sights to see that we might even run out of time to discuss them! 

For starters, it’s recommended that you visit major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Here, you will find the famous historical spots like the Forbidden City (Beijing) which used to house Chinese royals before they were overthrown by the Republic in 1911.

Beijing also has other world-famous structures like the Great Wall of China (which is a must when you visit China), Tiananmen Square, and the Bird’s Nest which was built for the Olympics. All these attractions have modern buildings and colorful billboards of Beijing as its background, making such a contrasting yet interesting view of the city.

As for Shanghai, the biggest city in China, you’ll be greeted by the sight of towering skyscrapers and brightly-lit streets. Here, you’ll find ancient temples and modern museums standing almost side-by-side.

During the night, you can go and take a trip onboard the Bund underwater train or walk around Nanjing Road to do some shopping. Shanghai is also home to a Disneyland Park if you’re up for some adventure.

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How To Apply For China's Tourist Visa: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

I had never been as frustrated with travel planning as when I was applying for my 10-year tourist visa to China this year.

I didn’t blame the fact that China required a visa, I blamed the confusing process of how to apply. The lack of a step-by-step guide for people in the USA mixed with the confusing lawyer-like language used in the China Embassy’s official documents = pure confusion on what to do.

After scouring the web to piece together the full process, I finally set out to apply for the 10-year tourist visa. In less than a week of applying online , I picked up my visa and was good to travel for the next 10 years!

Looking back on it, I’m glad I got it over with early on in my travel planning process. I would’ve hated to have to deal with all of this 1-2 weeks before my trip!

For reference, I applied for the 10-year tourist visa in April, but my trip wasn’t until November.

Once you figure out HOW to apply and actually submit your application, it’s really not too bad. Especially since I’ve created this easy-to-understand guide to walk you through all the steps you need to apply for your very own China tourist visa.

NOTE: This guide is for US citizens applying for the tourist visa (L) within the USA. I don’t have experience with any other countries/nationalities, thanks!

Before Applying For The China Tourist Visa: Things You Need To Know

• The first and most important thing I need to mention: there is no way of applying for a China visa completely online . You will need to physically provide your passport to a visa office at some point. There’s no way around this, and that’s because they need to stick your new China visa onto one of the pages in your passport.
• You must start by completing a visa application form to apply for a China visa. This can be done online or on paper.
• You’ll then need to submit your visa application form + supporting documents to a China Visa Application Service Center (this is a physical place). These are going to be at a Chinese embassy or consulate somewhere in the USA. There are multiple locations.
• You can’t just choose any location you feel like. You have to go to the one that services your state/area. More on this later.
• a recently-taken color photo behind a white wall (can be uploaded digitally if filling out the application online, or a physical photo if applying on paper application)
• a valid passport
• printed out visa application + confirmation letter
• other supporting documents (more on this later)
• You’ll need to visit the visa office twice: first to submit your application, then again in 3-4 days to pick up your passport (with your brand new China visa inside).
• You can apply in person for yourself, have someone else turn in the forms for you / pick up your visa for you, or pay a travel agency to do it all for you.
• That’s the general overview of the process. Let’s dive into the details a bit more.

Step 1: Find a consulate location that services your area.

The first thing you’ll want to do is locate which Consulate General location you’ll have to go to in order to apply for (and pick up) your visa. You can use this link to see all the current locations.

You CANNOT pick one randomly, you can only go to the one that services your area.

So how do you know which consulate you have to go to? Locate where you live on this list or this list . Your state/region will be listed under one of the consulates. That’s the one you’ll need to go to.

For example, I live in Northern California, so I had to go to the Consulate General in San Francisco . If you live in Utah, your assigned location is the Embassy in Washington DC.

Also, note that the area formerly serviced by the Houston consulate is temporarily being serviced by the Embassy in the United States (DC location) as the one in Houston closed down.

Step 2: Fill out the COVA application

Start your online application . Go to the China Online Visa Application (COVA) and fill out the application using your information.

You’ll be asked all kinds of questions: personal information, the type of visa you’re applying for, how long you want it for, names of family members (parents), work history, emergency contact info, where you’re going to be traveling to in China and on what dates, where you’ve traveled to in the last 12 months, etc.

I would allot 30 minutes of your time to fill out the whole application. It felt like forever when I was applying, but I think it took me about 30 minutes. You can always save your progress if you need to look up information and revisit the application process at a later time.

Just be sure to note your application ID so you can pull it up later.

I’ll give you some pointers on how I filled out my application because some questions were quite confusing.

• One of the first things you need to do is upload your passport photo. I took a selfie against a wall and used Lightroom to turn my gray background white. The system accepted the photo. (Background must be white!)
• For Given name(s), it should include your first name followed by any middle name(s). It needs to match the name on the passport.
• For National ID number, I applied with N/A
• For Type of Visa, I selected (L) Tourism. Here are the rest of the visa types for reference.
• For Visa Duration, I entered 120 months with a maximum stay of 60 days. I also chose “multiple” for the number of entries.
• For Itinerary information, I ballparked my travel dates from city to city (Hong Kong – Xi’An – Chengdu – Chongqing) as I had not yet booked my flights, but I gave the best estimate I could based on where we were in the trip planning process.
• Since they are no longer requiring flight confirmations and hotel confirmations, the trip itinerary section doesn’t need to be very detailed. Addresses of hotels didn’t seem to even be required fields (I filled out half of them for the ones we had already booked).
• For Work Experience info, I did the best I could but it’s okay not to be exact. For example, I included my previous employer’s general phone number instead of my supervisor’s number. You can also provide a quick description of your job duties (my example: “blogger/travel writer”). No need to go into detail.

Normally visa applications take 3-4 days to process, but you can specify in this application to expedite it (2-3 days).

I chose not to expedite my application. I applied on a Monday and received a pick-up date of Thursday .

How quickly do you need the visa?

• If you live in the area and can get to the visa office pretty easily, no need to expedite.
• If you’re traveling from out-of-state to apply, you’ll probably want to expedite to save on an extra night’s worth of hotel costs.
• If your trip’s departure is like next week, you’ll probably want to expedite to be on the safe side!

Should you apply for a 3-month visa or a 10-year visa? The visa process is the same regardless if you apply for 3 months or 10 years. Moreover, it’s currently the same price!

My entire family and I went for the 10-year option as we knew we’d be visiting China a lot once my parents retired!

Step 3: Print out/gather all your documents.

Once you finish filling out the application, you’ll get a confirmation letter that looks like it’s got QR codes on it. You’ll have to print this out along with a few other things to bring to the visa office.

Here’s the full list that was required of me when I was applying (April 2024). Be sure to check for the latest requirements !!!

• Confirmation letter – you need to print and sign this
• Completed visa application – you need to print and sign this (on the last page)
• Your physical passport
• Photocopy of your passport’s bio page (the page that shows the photo and the document number)
• Proof of residence documentation (a photocopy of your ID, bank statement, utility bill, etc.)
• I did single-sided printing and printed pages in color just in case.
• When you print the visa application, make sure to include the confirmation page as the first page.
• I did not bring a physical copy of my photo since I had uploaded it along with my online application. This was not asked for at the visa center either.

Step 4: Show up at the visa center.

At the time of writing, you can’t make appointments online. They are taking walk-ins only.

When you are looking for the address of where to go, look for the consulate’s Visa Application Office , not the general Embassy address.

For example, I GPS’ed to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco . Once I got to the door (on Laguna St.), I saw a sign letting visa application visitors know that the Visa Application Office was on the street perpendicular to where I was (Geary Blvd.).

Depending on the time you visit, be prepared to wait.

I showed up at 9:15am on a Monday (15 minutes before they opened) and there were at least 70 people in line in front of me. Despite the crazy-sounding line, it didn’t take as long as I had anticipated! I was out of there by 10:55am.

PRO TIP: For the SF location, show up near closing time as opposed to first thing in the morning. I asked the security guard when the best time to visit was for the shortest lines, and he told me “at the end of the day, right before we close”.

This may vary by location, so take that tip with a grain of salt! But when I went to pick up my visa 3 days later, I showed up at 1:50pm (the visa office closed at 2:30pm) — and he was right — no lines! There must have been 10 people in the entire office compared to my initial visit where there were 100+ people waiting at the same time.

Once you’re there, hand all of your documents to the visa processer. He/she will look your application over (rather quickly) and make sure you have all the necessary docs. They will then take all of your documents (including your passport) for processing/approval.

If all looks good, you’ll get a slip of paper (pick-up slip) telling you exactly what date to come back to pick up your passport. You can come anytime on that date. Again, no appointment is needed.

My experience: For proof of residence, I had actually just brought my physical driver’s license instead of making a photocopy of it. The lady told me I had to go to make a photocopy of it, then go back to her window once I was done with that.

Luckily, the office had a set of photocopiers (costs $0.25 per page) as well as passport photobooths (for people who forget to bring photos for their applications). Bring quarters or some dollar bills in case you need to use the copy machine.

Step 5: Pick up your passport.

After a few days, it’s time to go back to pick up your passport. When you go to pick up your passport, you will pay for the visa at this time.

There’s a separate line that moves much faster for passport pick-ups. For my pick-up, I was in and out of the visa office in under 10 minutes.

Since a lot of people applying for China visas are from out of state, they often worry about how long it takes to pick up their passports.

Again, in general, your passport will be ready in 2-4 days, depending on if you choose expedited service.

Also, you don’t even need to be the one showing up at the visa office! Per the Los Angeles consulate site , “visa applications may be submitted in person by the applicant or someone else with the passport and all supporting documents”.

Once you flip through your passport booklet, you’ll find a brand-new visa glued to one of your passport pages. Viola ! You are ready to go to China!

Lastly, stay updated with the latest info!

The latest info/updates will always be on the China Visa Applications website . I know, it’s hard to read because of how outdated and simple the site looks, but there’s always useful info on there.

Like when I was applying, I was able to see that they had recently reduced the visa fee to $140, regardless of how long the visa’s duration is. And that at the end of 2023, they had actually simplified the visa application to not require flight confirmations, proof of hotel reservation, or invitation letters.

Meanwhile, all the other outdated websites and blog posts out there mentioned needing an invitation letter.

To be clear, as of April 2024 (when I wrote this), invitation letters are NOT required.

Always refer to the China Visa Applications website for the latest info!

Hope this step-by-step guide to applying for the China tourist visa was helpful. You can message me if you have any additional questions about applying for a tourist visa as a US citizen.

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Politics latest: Angela Rayner labels Rishi Sunak a 'pint-sized loser'; PM insists defence spending pledge 'fully-funded'

While Rishi Sunak spent the day heralding his defence spending commitment on a trip to Germany, Oliver Dowden and Angela Rayner stood in the prime minister and the Labour leader at PMQs. Watch Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge live below.

Wednesday 24 April 2024 19:30, UK

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• Watch Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge live above
• Sunak insists rise in defence spending is 'fully-funded'
• Beth Rigby:  PM seeking to position himself as a strong leader prepared to defend the country
• Sophy Ridge:  There are cracks underneath the apparent unity on defence spending
• Rayner presses Dowden on no-fault evictions - and raises Sky News report - after joke about 'obsession' with her living arrangements
• Labour deputy leader labels Sunak a 'pint-sized loser'
• Local elections:  Sam Coates on why they matter | Who can I vote for? | What Sunak and Starmer will be hoping for
• Live reporting by Tim Baker

By Jennifer Scott , political reporter

MPs have voted in favour of the government's Renters (Reform) Bill - despite it including an indefinite delay to the end of no-fault evictions.

A debate on the legislation ran throughout this afternoon, including around a new clause from the government which would hold off outlawing Section 21s until a review of the courts system had taken place.

But despite outrage from charities, campaigners and opposition parties around the measure, it got the backing of the majority of MPs - and the bill passed its final stage in the Commons shortly after 6.30pm.

A Section 21 notice is the legal mechanism allowing landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, which creates uncertainty for those who rent their homes.

The government first promised to ban the notices five years ago, back when Theresa May was still in Number 10.

But it has faced numerous delays amid threats of rebellion from Tory backbenchers - some of them landlords - who said they feared ending Section 21s would see the courts overwhelmed with more complex eviction cases.

Read more below....

Sir Jeremy Quin, the chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee is speaking to Sophy.

He is also a former member of the government, and so Sophy asks him whether the pledged 70,000 Civil Service job cuts to fund the increase is possible.

Sir Jeremy says: "Happily, I'm in a situation where others in government will have to work out how to find the money to deliver it."

He adds that the government would not be promising the cuts if they could not deliver it over the six years promised.

Putting on his hat as chair of the Defence Committee, Sir Jeremy says he is "delighted" funds are being committed to the military. 

The ex-minister says the increase in funds is a green light to businesses to invest in the UK military sector.

But he does not take responsibility for the decreasing capacity of the UK's armed forces over the past decade or so - saying that a "very vibrant job market" has led to recruitment struggles.

Sir Jeremy adds that defence spending fell after the end of the Cold War when the world was safer - but it now has to go up again in the wake of the Ukraine invasion, Houthi aggression and tension in the Indo-Pacific.

The former government minister declines to say if he is worried about a potential Donald Trump presidency - saying that "whoever is in the White House" will recognise the importance of the relationship between the US and Europe.

Former defence secretary Sir Liam Fox and British Future's Sunder Katwala are on the show tonight.

Sophy asks them for their take on the new defence spending announced.

Sir Liam says it is the right decision to make, and that defence is "not discretionary spending".

He adds the UK "can't choose" who its enemies are, but highlights Russia, China and Iran as potential threats.

Sir Liam denies his party has been asleep at the wheel.

He calls for funds to be spent on the navy and cyberspace.

Mr Katwala says decisions on spending will not be taken until after the next election - but the aspiration to spend 2.5% is shared cross-party.

He contrasts this with the US, where there is a "knife-edge" election between Joe Biden and Donald Trump, the former a traditional support of the transatlantic relationship, the latter being much more unpredictable.

Sir Liam chips in to say it used to be - when he was negotiating with other nations on defence - that he and his US counterpart would have a "bad cop and worse cop" act to convince nations to spend more.

But this is no longer the case in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

Our weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  is live now on Sky News.

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing the audience into the corridors of power.

Sophy is joined by  Sir Jeremy Quin, chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee.

On Sophy's panel tonight are:

• Sir Liam Fox, Tory MP and former defence secretary
• Sunder Katwala, director of British Future

Watch live in the stream at the top of this page, and follow all the latest updates and key moments right here in the Politics Hub.

Watch  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  from Monday to Thursday on Sky channel 501, Virgin channel 602, Freeview channel 233, on the  Sky News website  and  app  or on  YouTube .

 After a series of amendments were passed by MPs during the committee phase, the government's Renters (Reform) Bill has passed its third reading.

This means its initial time in the Commons has finished, and it will now be considered by the Lords.

There was no vote, as Labour said it supported the measures despite saying changes today had watered it down.

This moment has been a long time coming, with the bill first introduced in May 2023.

And one of its central planks - banning Section 21 "no-fault" evictions - was in the Conservative Party's 2019 election manifesto.

The government still appears keen to get it onto the statute books before the general election.

Rishi Sunak spent the day on the stage where some believe he's most comfortable - the international one.

Travelling to Poland, and then to Germany, the prime minister announced he wants to increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2030 - £75bn in extra funding for the armed forces.

In many ways this is a move with an eye on the US. 

European leaders know that if they want to convince America to keep up its support for Ukraine, they need to show it's not just US taxpayers who are paying their share.

As Mr Sunak put it: "We cannot keep expecting America to pay any price if we ourselves are unwilling to make greater sacrifices for our own security."

But underneath the apparent unity on the need for more defence investment in a more fragile and dangerous world, there are cracks. 

Europe is still very divided when it comes to defence spending - a patchwork of different policies and priorities. 

And who knows what will happen in America before the presidential election that could put Donald Trump back in the White House.

In the UK, politicians are still trying to work out whether it's really possible to put the country on a war footing without having to slash public services.

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the PM's pledge will increase cuts to unprotected government departments by about £8bn in 2028.

If the polls are to be believed, however, that's unlikely to be Mr Sunak's problem.

It will be Labour that has to find the cash.

Labour MPs tried to introduce a clause to the government's Renters (Reform) Bill which would have made Section 21 "no-fault" evictions illegal as soon as the bill became law.

However, this was defeated by 282 votes to 125.

The bill is now being debated as a whole for its third reading - and MPs will vote to send it to the Lords in an hour or so.

If you are interested in the subject, consider reading political reporter Jennifer Scott 's article below.

Some more results here from the House of Commons.

MPs are voting on proposed amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill.

They have just added a change which would delay the ban on Section 21 "no-fault" evictions until a review of the court system is carried out to assess if it can handle appeals.

Those who want the ban to come in as soon as possible characterised this as kicking the ban into the long grass.

MPs supported the change by 287 votes to 144.

A series of other amendments were subsequently added to the bill "on the nod" - without votes, as Labour had indicated it would support the bill for the most part.

A vote on the whole bill will take place later this evening, at which point the bill will be passed to the House of Lords, who will consider it in due course.

MPs have voted by 283 to 143 to add a change to the Renters (Reform) Bill.

The new clause prevents rental contracts being terminated within six months unless there is a specific agreement in place.

However, we are a long way off this becoming law - as the bill still needs to go through the House of Lords.

MPs are now voting on a controversial matter - whether the ban on Section 21 "no fault" evictions should be deferred until a review of the courts' capacity to handle appeals is carried.

This amendment, tabled by the government, is seen by some as watering down the promise to ban the evictions.

Our flagship weeknight politics show  Politics Hub With Sophy Ridge  will be live on Sky News from 7pm. 

The fast-paced programme dissects the inner workings of Westminster, with interviews, insights, and analysis - bringing you, the audience, into the corridors of power.

Sophy will be joined by Sir Jeremy Quin, chair of the Commons Defence Select Committee.

Watch live on Sky News, in the stream at the top of this page, and follow live updates here in the Politics Hub.

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eVisa rollout begins with immigration documents replaced by 2025

Millions are being invited to switch from physical immigration documents to an eVisa – a key step in creating a modernised and digital border.

Photo: Getty Images

The next stage in the government’s plan to modernise the border and introduce a digital immigration system is under way, as the Home Office moves closer to the implementation of eVisas for nearly all visa holders living in the UK by 2025.

From today (17 April 2024), the Home Office will begin to send emails to all those with physical immigration documents, called biometric residence permits (BRPs), inviting them to create a UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) account to access their eVisa, a digital proof of their immigration status.

Invitations will be issued in phases before the process opens to all BRP holders in summer 2024.

eVisas are central to making the UK safer by reducing the risk of fraud, loss and abuse of physical documents, strengthening border security, and providing a more secure way to prove immigration status. This will pave the way for increased automation to deliver the government’s vision for a contactless border.

It is free and straightforward for customers who hold physical and paper documents to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa. Creating a UKVI account will not change, impact or remove customers’ current immigration status or their rights in the UK.

Minister for Legal Migration and the Border, Tom Pursglove MP, said:  

We’ve already taken really significant steps to digitally transform the border and immigration system, and this wider rollout of eVisas is a key part of that process.  Replacing physical immigration documents with eVisas will ensure firm control over who comes here to live, work or study, strengthening border security and preventing abuse of the immigration system, while delivering cost savings for UK taxpayers.

eVisas bring substantial benefits to the UK public and to visa customers. They are secure, and, unlike a physical document, cannot be lost, stolen or tampered with. They can be accessed anywhere and in real time, putting customers in control of their own data and allowing them to swiftly update the Home Office with new contact or passport details.

An eVisa is securely linked with the holder’s unique biometric information in the same way as a BRP or BRC , to protect against identity fraud.

People checking immigration status will be able to conduct one quick and simple check using a secure online service on GOV.UK. Selected public bodies are already able to access immigration status to determine eligibility for public services automatically through system to system checks.

eVisas are tried and tested, with millions of customers already using them across routes including the EU Settlement Scheme ( EUSS ). Most physical documents, such as biometric residence permits or cards (BRPs or BRCs), are being gradually phased out, with most BRPs expiring at the end of 2024.

This move to eVisas is in line with other countries which have replaced, or are planning to replace, their physical immigration documents with digital forms of immigration status.

Customers who already have an eVisa do not need to do anything as we make this change, but should continue to update their UKVI account with any changes to personal information, such as a new passport or contact details. Customers should continue to carry their in-date physical immigration documents with them when they travel internationally, until they expire.

Physical immigration documents will be gradually phased out by 2025, as we transition to a fully digital border and immigration system for new and existing customers. This will deliver enhanced security and cost savings for the UK public and greater convenience for customers and status checkers. 

Customers who already have an eVisa should tell the Home Office about any passport on which they intend to travel using the online Update your UK Visas and Immigration account details service on GOV.UK, if this is not already linked to their account, to avoid delays when travelling.

As part of the wider transformation of the UK border and immigration system, the government has already introduced the Electronic Travel Authorisation ( ETA ) scheme. ETA is a digital permission to travel to the UK for those wanting to visit but who do not need a visa. It gives the government greater ability to screen travellers in advance of travel and prevent those who pose a threat from coming here.

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