Do Chinese citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?
The official link goes to gov.uk. NUM isn’t a government agency or a visa service. Rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay or travel.
United Kingdom entry rules for Chinese citizens.
| Verdict | Visa needed before you fly |
|---|---|
| Document | Standard Visitor visa |
| Fee | GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years) |
| Stay | Up to 6 months per visit |
| Validity | 6 months, or 2, 5 or 10 years for a long-term visit visa (still max 6 months per visit) |
| When to apply | Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision |
| Checked | Verified on an official page · 2026-10-11 |
The rest of the trip for a Chinese passport, from the arrival form to customs and travelling with children: United Kingdom entry requirements.
The details for a Chinese passport.
Chinese residents of mainland China (and HK/Macau residents with PRC passports) can ask for a 'BIVS' endorsement that also allows travel to Ireland (enter the UK first). Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR passports instead use the ETA. Also on the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) list: changing planes airside needs a DATV (GBP 41.50) unless exempt, e.g. holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA, a permanent residence permit from those countries, or an EEA/Swiss residence permit or category D visa. Landside transit (passing border control, leaving within 48 hours) needs a Visitor in Transit visa (GBP 74.50) unless you hold a visitor visa.
How long it must be valid.
Must be valid for the whole of your stay (no 6-month rule). EU/EEA/Swiss visitors need a passport; national ID cards are accepted only with EU Settlement Scheme status or certain other permissions. Dual British nationals must travel on a British passport or a certificate of entitlement, because they cannot get an ETA.
Recent changes in United Kingdom.
- 2025-01-08 — ETA opened to and required for non-European visa-exempt nationalities (US, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.).
- 2025-04-02 — ETA required for European nationals (EU, EEA, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican).
- 2025-04-09 — ETA fee rose from GBP 10 to GBP 16.
The short answers.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for United Kingdom?
Yes. Chinese citizens need a visa from an embassy or visa centre before travelling to the United Kingdom.
How much does it cost for Chinese citizens?
GBP 135 (up to 6 months); long-term visit visas GBP 506 (2 years), GBP 903 (5 years), GBP 1,128 (10 years). Fees change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
How long can Chinese citizens stay in United Kingdom?
Up to 6 months per visit. Longer stays need a different visa.
When should Chinese citizens apply?
Apply online up to 3 months before travel; allow several weeks for biometrics and a decision.
Where do Chinese citizens apply?
On the official site, gov.uk. NUM links it and never charges for the link.
Does NUM issue United Kingdom visas?
No. Only the government issues them. NUM explains the rule for your passport, links the official site, and can file the form for you where its desk covers it.