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Do British passport holders need a visa for China?

Covers 11 passports and 80 destinations. Rules older than 30 days are flagged for re-check.

How this tool works

We read the official notice for each pair and record the date. Nothing here is generated; a pair with no written check is not shown.

No visa. British passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026.

The UK government says the policy covers business, tourism, family or friend visits and transit, for standard British passports whose nationality is listed as British citizen. Work, journalism, study and stays over 30 days need a visa before you travel. Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry rules.

Source: National Immigration Administration of China; GOV.UK entry requirements. Checked Oct 2, 2026See the source

Maximum stay: 30 days; Per visit; counted from the day after entry.
Valid until: 31 Dec 2026; Current extension of the scheme.
Passport validity: 6 months + 2 blank pages; UK government: expiry at least 6 months after arrival.
Pre-registration: None; No application for the exemption.

Changes to this rule

Feb 17, 2026United Kingdom added to the 30-day visa-free list.

Before you fly

China visa-free entry

Who qualifies, the 240-hour transit

Read the guide China travel guide

Entry, money, when to go

Read the guide eSIM and phones

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