United Kingdom · Visa centres · China
China visa application centres in the UK
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre takes Chinese visa applications in the UK, in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. The centre, run by CYTS (UK) Tours, takes applications without an appointment; UK passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days until 31 December 2026.
UK passport holders don't need a visa for short trips until 31 December 2026. From 17 February to 31 December 2026, UK ordinary passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, visits, exchanges and transit (gb.china-embassy.gov.cn, read 1 Nov 2026).
Where Chinese visas are handled in the UK
| Place | Address | Source |
|---|---|---|
| The Chinese Visa Application Service CentreLondon | Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London, 12 Old Jewry, London, EC2R 8DU | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| The Chinese Visa Application Service CentreManchester | Chinese Visa Application Service Centre Manchester, St James Tower , Ground Floor,7 Charlotte St, Manchester M1 4DZ ,UK | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| The Chinese Visa Application Service CentreEdinburgh | 11 Rutland Square, City of Edinburgh, EH1 2AS, UK | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| The Chinese Visa Application Service CentreBelfast | Chinese Welfare Association, 1 Stranmillis Embankment, Belfast BT7 1GB (opening days announced in the centre's News) | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
Book only on the official site: visaforchina.cn/LON4_EN.
Fees
| Item | Amount | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visa fee for UK nationals, single/double/multiple entry up to 2 years (reduced rate until 31 Dec 2026) | GBP 64 | gb.china-embassy.gov.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Visa fee for UK nationals, 5-year multiple entry (reduced rate) | GBP 128 | gb.china-embassy.gov.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Visa fee for UK nationals, 10-year multiple entry (reduced rate) | GBP 191 | gb.china-embassy.gov.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| Visa fee for most other nationalities, single entry (reduced rate) | GBP 21 | gb.china-embassy.gov.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| CVASC application service fee, Regular service (4 working days), incl. VAT | GBP 66 | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| CVASC application service fee, Express service (3 working days), incl. VAT | GBP 78 | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| CVASC application service fee, Urgent service (2 working days), incl. VAT | GBP 90 | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
| CVASC passport post back, incl. VAT | GBP 90 | visaforchina.cnread 1 Nov 2026 |
Booking and rules
- No appointment needed. Since 23 October 2023 the Embassy and Consulates have cancelled online appointments; applicants submit directly at the CVASC. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Online application system. The China Online Visa Processing System opened in the UK on 31 March 2025. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Fingerprints waived for short stays. From 17 December 2025 to 31 December 2026 fingerprints are not collected from short-term visa applicants (stays up to 180 days). gb.china-embassy.gov.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Reduced fees extended. The reduced visa fees are extended until 31 December 2026. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Proof of legal stay for non-British applicants. Non-British applicants must show a valid British visa or other proof of legal stay, residence, employment or study in the UK. gb.china-embassy.gov.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Operator. The CVASC is operated by CYTS (UK) Tours Ltd and is independent of the diplomatic missions. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Not part of the Embassy. The CVASC is a commercial organisation recognised by the Embassy or Consulate-General but is neither a branch nor an affiliated organ of the missions. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- London hours. The London centre takes Regular and Express applications 09:00-15:00 and Urgent 09:00-13:00 on weekdays. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Manchester timing. In Manchester, Regular service passports are collected on the 4th working day and Express on the 3rd; the Consulate-General may call applicants for further checks. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Belfast office. The Belfast office opens only on days announced in the CVASC news and uses the Edinburgh centre's contacts. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Travel agency windows. The CVASC describes special windows for travel agencies and a VIP room as part of its service model. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Paid VIP packages. The London CVASC sells optional VIP packages: Hassle-Free (assisted form filling), Priority Processing and Flexible Access (extended hours); prices are not shown on the page. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
- Fees are not refunded. All fees are paid when lodging the application in London and are not refunded if the visa is refused. visaforchina.cn · read 1 Nov 2026
Visa centre or agency?
An agency can help you fill in the forms and gather the documents, but you still hand in the application at the centre yourself, and only the embassy or the deciding office decides. Agencies on our United Kingdom list that name Chinese visas on their own websites. In London: CIBTvisas, Scott's Visas and Travcour Visa & Legalisation Services; in Edinburgh: Get Visas; in Manchester: China Visa Services; in Nantwich: The Travel Visa Company.
FAQ
Where do I apply for a Chinese visa in the UK?
At the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast. Book on visaforchina.cn/LON4_EN.
Do I need an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre?
Since 23 October 2023 the Embassy and Consulates have cancelled online appointments; applicants submit directly at the CVASC (gb.china-embassy.gov.cn, read 1 Nov 2026).
How much is the Chinese visa fee in the UK?
Visa fee for UK nationals, single/double/multiple entry up to 2 years (reduced rate until 31 Dec 2026): GBP 64; Visa fee for UK nationals, 5-year multiple entry (reduced rate): GBP 128; Visa fee for UK nationals, 10-year multiple entry (reduced rate): GBP 191; Visa fee for most other nationalities, single entry (reduced rate): GBP 21.
Is the China Visa Application Service Centre legit?
It is the centre the Chinese missions recognise, run by a private company. The CVASC is operated by CYTS (UK) Tours Ltd and is independent of the diplomatic missions (visaforchina.cn, read 1 Nov 2026). The CVASC is a commercial organisation recognised by the Embassy or Consulate-General but is neither a branch nor an affiliated organ of the missions (visaforchina.cn, read 1 Nov 2026).
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Sources, read 1 Nov 2026 unless marked: gb.china-embassy.gov.cn and visaforchina.cn. We are not the embassy or any visa operator, and we don't book appointments.