Short answer: no visa needed for stays of up to 30 days. Since 17 February 2026, ordinary UK passport holders may enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits or transit. The policy runs to 31 December 2026.
The essentials
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | 30 days per entry |
| Advance application | None |
| Fee | None |
| Permitted purposes | Tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, transit |
| Valid to | 31 December 2026 |
| Not permitted | Work, study, journalism |
What changed in February 2026
The UK was added to China's unilateral 30-day visa-free list on 17 February 2026, alongside Canada. Before that date, British travellers needed a visa for every trip. If you last looked into a China trip in 2025, the answer has changed.
Planning around 30 days
Daily flights from London Heathrow to Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, plus connections from Manchester and Edinburgh, make a China trip a straightforward long-haul hop. Most UK travellers use 12 to 18 of the 30 days and save the rest as buffer.
A route we build often: Beijing (4) → Xi'an (2) → Shanghai (4) → Hangzhou (3). The Beijing–Xi'an and Xi'an–Shanghai legs are both high-speed rail, which in China is faster end-to-end than flying once you count airport time.
FAQ
Do I need a visa if I am only changing planes in China? If you stay airside and do not pass through immigration, no. If you want to leave the airport, the 240-hour transit scheme or the 30-day visa-free policy applies, depending on your routing.
Is my UK passport valid enough? Most countries, including China, expect at least six months' validity beyond your planned stay, with blank pages available. Check before you book.
Can I work remotely from China on the visa-free scheme? Remote work for a non-Chinese employer sits in a grey area. Paid work for a Chinese entity is clearly not permitted without a work visa. If your trip mixes business with remote work, tell us and we will advise on the safest structure.
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Last updated: 10 September 2026. Sources: National Immigration Administration of China; Chinese embassies in Singapore and Malaysia.
