Who requires a visa to visit China?

A visa is required by ALL travellers to China or via China (in transit) to an onward destination.

Do I need a visa to visit  Hong Kong and Macao ?

No, if you are travelling as a tourist or on a business trip a visa is not required for a British passport holder.  Please note, that no entry will be permitted to Mainland China through any route without a visa.

Do I need anything additional papers to visit Tibet ?

YES, a Tibet Permit. For this a full itinerary will be required and a valid Chinese Visa. 

How long before I travel should I apply for my visa?

You can not apply before 3 month before your departure date - We suggest applying a month before you depart

How long does it take to obtain a visa from the Chinese embassy

It normally takes 5 working days to process

Can I obtain a visa for immediate travel ?

Yes, but the same day flight tickets are required.

What type of passport do I need ?

You need to have a FULL passport with at least TWO totally blank consecutive pages. 

For a Single or Double entry visa, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months;

For a Multiple entry visa, your passport must be valid for at least 9 Months

Can I also apply for a visa for an 'accompanying person' using the same passport?

Yes, but a photograph of the accompanying person,( usually a child) using the same passport, should be affixed to the form. The full visa fee will apply for each person

How long is a visa valid for ?

Tourist visa  :

A single or double entry tourist visa is usually valid for entry within 3 month from the date of issue and is valid for a trip up to 30 days

The Multiple Entry Business visa is available for the following 3 periods :

• half a year  
• one year
• Between two to five years

All valid from the date of issue

If I do not travel can I obtain refund of the cost of the visa?

No