Visa application process for entry to China for British citizens travelling from the UK

Passport Information:

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.

To enter China, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and 2 blank pages for visas and stamping.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements, renew your passport if you need to.

Applying for a visa for British citizens

For British Citizens - If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa online and then go in person to a visa for China application center. Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centers in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. If you’re aged 13 or under, or 71 or over, you do not have to attend in person.

 The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply.

Check your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks.

Before applying for your visa, all travel and accommodation arrangements will need to be booked and receipts printed for both as you will be asked for this information as you complete your online visa application and for your visit to visa center.

Please make sure that you allow enough time for your visa application to be processed.

International participants

Please contact your Chinese Embassy or Consulate General based in your country of residence.

If you require a visa invitation letter to assist with your visa application or if you have any queries, please email: workshops@alportsyndromealliance.org

The attached visa application process for British Citizens will assist you with your visa application for the relevant country you will be applying from.

Overview of visa process

  1. Book flights and accommodation

  2. Email  workshops@alportsyndromealliance.org to request invitation letter and provide all personal details required for invitation letter

  3. You will receive an email from workshops@alportsyndromealliance.org with your invitation letter

  4. Apply for visa online https://bio.visaforchina.cn/LON3_EN/qianzhengyewu

  5. Print out online application and all documentation as outlined in visa process attached

  6. Collect from visa center

Once you have completed the online form, you must print out two copies of your application, along with the invitation letter (Chinese and English translation) and you will need to print two copies of receipts for your flight and accommodation bookings and have a spare passport photo with you in case the online one is not suitable.

Please note ALL participants to the workshop will need to apply for a business visa, if you have colleagues, family, and partners attending with you they will need to apply for a tourist visa.

Useful Information - Travel and Hotel accommodation

Frequently asked questions

1. Visa Waiver for Australian Citizens

Australian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days (business, tourism, or family visits) under the 2024-2025 visa waiver policy.

Conference participation is generally considered a business activity, so it should qualify. However, we recommend:

Carrying an invitation letter from the workshop organizers.

Confirming with the Chinese embassy/consulate before travel.

2. Payment Methods in Beijing

International debit/credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work in:

Hotels, large stores, and some restaurants.

Airport trains (e.g., Beijing Airport Express) – cards should work at ticket machines.

Street vendors & taxis usually require mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay) or cash (RMB).

DIDI (China’s Uber) is recommended for taxis – download the DIDI app in advance (needs a Chinese number or Alipay/WeChat Pay) - Register an account: Foreign mobile phone numbers are supported for registration.

Buses & subways – Use Alipay/WeChat Pay (set up before arrival)/cash.

3. Internet & Communication

Google, WhatsApp, and many Western apps are blocked in China.

Alternatives:

VPN (e.g., Astrill, ExpressVPN) – Download before arrival (some may not work reliably).

WeChat (微信) – For messaging/calls (needs a local number).

Email (Outlook/QQ Mail) – Works without VPN.

4. Food Recommendations in Beijing

If you love exploring delicious food, we highly recommend downloading the "Dianping" (大众点评) app—China's most popular restaurant review platform (similar to Yelp).

How to use it:

Search for top-rated local restaurants in Beijing

Find authentic dishes like Peking duck, hot pot, dumplings, and more

Check user reviews, photos, and price ranges

Use the built-in map for directions

Tip: The app is in Chinese, but you can use your phone's translation feature or ask a local/hotel staff for help.

Recommendations for Participants:

✔ Download Alipay/WeChat Pay (link an international card in advance).

✔ Carry some RMB cash (ATMs at the airport accept foreign cards).

✔ Set up VPN before flying.

We recommend if sightseeing that you take your passport with you at all times.

5. Sightseeing

Our team in China can assist with any travel requirements that you may wish to make whilst in China, details below of travel agency if you wanted to make contact with them about your planned itinerary. Most tour products can be customised according to needs and the agency has provided an email address for direct contact. Please inform the agency of your desired destinations and dates and they will be more than happy to assist.

 Travel Agency Email: triptravel@126.com