Step 01
What changed for UK passport holders
UK ordinary passport holders are included in the visa-free expansion announced through 2026 MFA publications. Check both the publication date and effective period every time you plan a trip — policy rollout timing can vary: MFA briefing.
Verify your current eligibility using mission-level pages rather than social media reposts before buying flights.
Step 02
If your passport is currently visa-free eligible
When eligible, UK ordinary passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchange, and transit. Use the embassy notice as your source of truth: visa-free FAQ.
Even without a visa sticker, carry a clear itinerary and lodging confirmation. Airline check-in staff may ask for evidence that your plan matches the visa-free purpose conditions.
Step 03
Transit fallback if needed
If your specific case does not cleanly fit visa-free terms, evaluate 240-hour transit only when your route is clearly A-China-B with a confirmed onward booking and a compliant entry port.
Use the official NIA page for current operational details: NIA transit notice.
Step 04
Regular visa route when certainty matters
If route conditions are uncertain or your stay exceeds 30 days, use the regular visa route. This is often the lowest-risk plan for multi-city or multi-purpose itineraries.
Apply through the official COVA portal and follow your local mission instructions: COVA portal.
Step 05
Arrival and first-day compliance
NIA allows arrival-card submission online before arrival and still supports airport-side completion methods: arrival-card notice.
Registration obligations apply after entry. Hotels register guests directly; private stays must register with local public security within 24 hours: Article 39 guidance.
Step 06
Primary references
Next route decision
Confirm your entry path before booking.
Run the visa checker with your exact passport and itinerary. It turns this guide into a route you can execute.