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 China’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in China set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK.
\n\nImmigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.
\n\nYou may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely testing such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests or medical examinations. You may be refused entry into China if you do not comply.
\n\nTo 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.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nIf you renew your passport while you are in China, contact your local exit and entry office or call the national immigration service hotline on 12367, before or immediately upon receipt.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nChina does not recognise dual nationality. If you were born in China to a Chinese national parent, you will be:
\n\nIf you enter China on a Chinese passport or identity card, the British Embassy will not be able to offer you help. If you have formally renounced Chinese citizenship, you should carry clear evidence that you have done so. See guidance on nationality in China.
\n\nIf you’re a former Chinese citizen, Chinese authorities may:
\n\ntreat you as a Chinese citizen
\nrefuse you access to UK consular services
\nThis can happen even if you entered China on a UK or other foreign passport and you:
\n\nhaven’t renounced your citizenship according to Chinese law
\nhaven’t formally advised the Chinese authorities of your UK citizenship
\ncontinue to maintain a Chinese passport or household registration
\nAuthorities may not allow certain categories of Chinese citizens, such as state officials, to renounce their Chinese nationality under Chinese law.
\n\nYou should get professional legal advice if you’re unsure of your citizenship status under Chinese law.
\n\nUntil 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.
\n\nThis policy applies to all holders of standard British passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen.’ Holders of British Crown Dependency passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen’ are eligible for this policy.
\n\nIf you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.
\n\nIf you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.
\n\nIf you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.
\n\nHolders of Emergency Travel Documents are not allowed to enter China without a visa.
\n\nVisa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.
\n\nUnless you meet the requirement for visa-free access, you must arrange a visa before travelling to China.
\n\nIf 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 centre. Officials will take a scan of your fingerprints as part of your application. There are visa application centres 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, but someone will need to submit your application on your behalf.
\n\nThe Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply.
\n\nIf you visit Hong Kong from mainland China and want to return to the mainland, you need a visa that allows you to make a second entry into China.
\n\nCheck your visa details carefully and do not overstay your visa. The authorities carry out regular checks and may fine, detain and deport you.
\n\nIf you want to stay in China longer than 6 months, you may need to get a residence permit.
\n\nTeachers have been detained and deported for working on the wrong visa. It is your responsibility to check you’re working on the correct visa.
\n\nYou can only work in China if you have a work visa (Z visa). Tourist and business visas do not allow you to work. You must also hold a valid work permit. The local police regularly carry out checks on companies and schools. If you do not follow Chinese immigration laws, there can be serious penalties, including:
\n\nBefore you leave the UK, contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK to check Z visa requirements. When submitting your application, and when you receive your work permit, check the details are correct, including the location you’ll be working in. If the details are incorrect – even if your employer or others submitted the application on your behalf – the authorities can detain you, fine you or deport you.
\n\nIf you are going to change employer once you’re in China, or change location in China with an existing employer, check with the Chinese authorities whether you need a new visa and work permit before doing so.
\n\nTo enter China, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s China guide.
\n\nYou must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival. Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationals’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of China. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","safety_html":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of China.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in China cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAlthough foreigners have not been specifically targeted, attacks may happen in places visited by foreigners. Take particular care during national holidays and at public transport hubs, and always follow the advice of the local authorities.
\n\nChinese national security laws have broad scope, and you can be arrested without having intended to break the law. See advice in the Laws and cultural differences section below for more information.
\nChina is ruled by a single political party. Though China is open to foreign visitors, be aware of political and cultural sensitivities.
\n\nAvoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation. Foreign journalists have been intimidated, assaulted or detained for trying to report on demonstrations.
\n\nYou may risk becoming a target when there is an anti-foreign feeling or attitude in China. Keep informed of developments and follow the advice of the local authorities. During periods of tension, the authorities may block:
\n\nPosting, publishing or supporting political statements critical of China or the Chinese authorities could be viewed as illegal.
\n\nSerious crime against foreign nationals is relatively rare, but incidents can happen. Take care of your belongings at major tourist sites and other busy places, particularly where foreign nationals gather.
\n\nIndiscriminate attacks using vehicles as a weapon, and knife attacks, have occurred in public places including at schools, supermarkets and hospitals. Although rare, there have been isolated violent attacks that have impacted foreign nationals.
\n\nPenalties for fighting and physical altercations can range from fines to short term detentions to longer-term criminal detentions, regardless of who was initially responsible. Compensation claims by injured parties are commonplace, again regardless of who was initially responsible.
\n\nDo not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Personal attacks and sexual assaults are rare, but they can happen, including through drinks being spiked. Women, travelling alone or with female friends, could be at higher risk.
\n\nBeware of scams in popular tourist areas. A common example is the ‘tea tasting’ or ‘massage’ scam. Friendly strangers may invite you to visit a bar, to drink tea or have a massage, and the establishment then demands a large fee. This can be followed by threats, violence or credit card fraud.
\n\nDue to the prominence of QR code usage in China, travellers are recommended to familiarise themselves with the risks of QR code phishing.
\n\nBefore entering a commercial contract in China, take legal advice, both in the UK and in China. Contracts agreed in the UK are not always recognised by Chinese courts.
\n\nIf you’re involved in or connected to a business or civil dispute, the Chinese authorities may impose an exit ban, which means you cannot leave China until the matter is resolved. British nationals have been detained against their will, intimidated and forced to pay money.
\n\nViolence is rare, but it can be threatened. Report any threats of violence to the Chinese police.
\n\nAlways carry your passport with you. Police carry out random checks, especially during periods of heightened security and major sporting or political events. They do not accept printed copies. Failure to produce your ID can lead to a fine or detention.
\n\nThere is a risk of detention for alleged breaking of national security laws
\n\nChina’s authorities have detained foreign nationals who break national security laws. Both ‘national security’ and ‘national interest’ appear regularly in Chinese legislation and have broad scope. You may be detained without having intended to break the law. Activity that happened outside of mainland China – including online activity – could fall under the scope of mainland legislation. There is a risk of arbitrary detention, including of British nationals.
\n\nIf you’re detained on grounds of national security, you may be held for up to 6 months before formal arrest and denied legal representation before charges are brought.
\n\nYou may be at greater risk of surveillance, harassment or detention while in China if you are currently or have previously been linked to:
\n\nThis list is not exhaustive and may change over time. This is particularly relevant when travelling to areas with large ethnic minority populations, including but not limited to Xinjiang. See Regional risks for more information.
\n\nAll foreign nationals travelling to or around ‘sensitive’ areas might attract more attention from the authorities, including when:
\n\nSensitivities can change over time and may heighten around particular dates or events.
\n\nThere are restricted military areas, where foreigners can be detained, fined or deported if found without prior authorisation. Signs typically indicate where these areas are, but it may not always be clear.
\n\nThe Chinese authorities formally recognise five religions: Buddhism, Catholicism, Islam, Protestantism and Taoism. Only officially registered religious organisations are permitted to carry out religious activities. Even officially registered organisations must observe restrictions on some religious activities, including preaching and distributing religious materials.
\n\nUpdated religious legislation (Chinese language only) entered into force on 1 May 2025, setting out rules that foreigners must abide by when practicing religion in China. The paragraph below summarises some of the key information included in the link, but local legal advice should be sought for full and further detail.
\n\nForeigners may participate in religious activity that complies with Chinese law in registered temples, churches, or other approved temporary locations. Foreign nationals may invite Chinese religious professionals to hold baptisms, weddings, funerals, dojos, pujas, and other religious ceremonies for them. Foreigners wanting to hold religious activities or events in approved locations must meet the specific requirements and use the correct application procedures. One of these requirements (Article 10) is that Chinese religious professionals should preside over religious activity. Another (Article 16), is that group religious activities held by foreigners in China are limited to participation by foreigners in China. Collective religious events involving Chinese citizens are prohibited unless officially approved by the Chinese government. There are also rules for foreign religious professionals visiting China to give lectures or sermons, and those bringing in religious materials.
\n\nThe Falun Gong movement and others that the authorities consider as ‘cults’ are banned in China.
\n\nChinese laws and procedures relating to the arrest, detention and trial of criminal suspects are different from in the UK. For example:
\n\nThe granting of bail is rare, and the criminal process can often last at least a year before a verdict is passed. If bail is granted the accused will not be permitted to leave China.
\n\nIf you’re suspected of a crime, the Chinese authorities can stop you from leaving China by:
\n\nThe thresholds for detention and prosecution in China differ from those in Hong Kong.
\n\nYou can be convicted in China of a crime committed against the Chinese State or a Chinese citizen, even if that crime was committed outside of China.
\n\nForeign nationals can be subject to exit bans. Exit bans can:
\n\nAn exit ban can last for months or years or until a legal process is complete. You may not be aware you are subject to an exit ban until you try to leave mainland China.
\n\nCashless payments through smartphone apps such as WeChat or Alipay are almost universal.
\n\nOutside major cities, credit cards are not always accepted and ATMs are limited. It is not possible to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.
\n\nCounterfeit banknotes (especially 100 renminbi notes) are common, including from ATMs. Banks will not replace them. Check notes carefully before accepting them.
\n\nPossession, trafficking and manufacture of any illegal drugs, including cannabis, are serious offences in China. The Chinese authorities have a zero-tolerance policy and those caught face heavy fines, lengthy prison sentences, or the death penalty.
\n\nAirports in China have security equipment and procedures in place for scanning and detecting illegal items, including cannabis. This is also used to scan all the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nThe Chinese authorities can randomly test foreign nationals for drugs, including on entry to the country. Police can also raid homes as well as nightclubs and bars. If you’re in a bar that’s raided, you will be subject to on-the-spot testing and immigration checks. This may involve:
\n\nIf you test positive, the Chinese authorities can prosecute you regardless of where or when you took drugs. Testing positive for drugs, or being found in breach of your visa conditions, can lead to heavy fines, detention and deportation.
\n\nThe Chinese authorities control internet access. Internet access can be limited around key political events and dates. Some services are permanently blocked, including:
\n\nOther websites may sometimes be blocked.
\n\nChina’s cybersecurity laws state that online products and services (for example, VPNs) need to be licensed by the Chinese government. See the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (in Mandarin). Make sure you stay informed and follow Chinese law.
\n\nThe import, possession and use of drones and drone components are strictly regulated. Contact the Civil Aviation Administration of China before travel for the latest rules regarding registration and use.
\n\nFire protection standards in Chinese accommodation are not always the same as in the UK. You should:
\n\nMake sure your accommodation has a working carbon monoxide alarm. People have died of carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrectly installed gas equipment.
\n\nEnergy UK has advice on how to stay safe and the symptoms to look out for.
\n\nThoroughly research the school or university that is hiring you in China and make sure you’re confident they are following the law.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are legal in China, but public attitudes are less tolerant than in the UK. Showing affection in public may receive negative attention. There’s no Chinese law guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nDo not hike alone in isolated areas, including on the Great Wall, due to unpredictable weather conditions and the chance of injuries. Even when hiking in a group, leave your itinerary, mobile number and expected time of return at your hotel or with a third party.
\n\nYou must have a Chinese driving licence and valid insurance to drive in China. There are harsh penalties for driving without these, including fines and detention.
\n\nDrive with caution in China. Accidents are common due to:
\n\nIf you’re involved in a serious traffic accident, call the police. Do not move your vehicle until they arrive but make sure you and your passengers are in a safe place. If there are injuries, you may be held legally responsible for medical costs. You will also be held responsible if you hit a pedestrian.
\n\nThere are harsh penalties including fines, detention and imprisonment for driving under the influence of alcohol, even at very low levels.
\n\nYou must show your passport to buy a ticket and to board a train in China.
\n\nTrans-Mongolian Express trains (Beijing-Moscow via Ulaanbaatar) are known for smuggling. Petty theft on overnight trains is common. Search your compartment and lock the cabin door before the train leaves.
\n\nMariners should avoid the disputed territory between China and other countries in the East China Sea and the South China Sea. There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the area. ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre has further information about piracy and armed robbery.
\n\nAvoid travelling in unmarked or unmetered taxis, as there have been incidents of sexual assault and robbery against foreign nationals. In marked taxis, make sure someone knows where you are and try to take a note of the taxi’s number.
\n\nDisputes over taxi fares can quickly escalate. Any physical altercation could lead to detention regardless of who is to blame. Insist on paying the metered fare and ask for a receipt. The receipt should have the taxi number on it.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nChina is in an active seismic zone and can experience major earthquakes. Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake from the US Federal Emergency Management Agency.
\n\nThe typhoon season in China normally runs from May to November, affecting southern and eastern coastal regions. Air travel and other forms of transport can be affected. You should monitor the progress of approaching storms on the Japan Meteorological Agency and the China Meteorological Administration websites.
\n\nSee guidance on tropical cyclones for advice about what to do if you are caught in a typhoon.
\n\nFlooding and storms are common between May and November. You should monitor local weather reports and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.
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