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Overview of Chinese visas
What do you need to know about Chinese visas?
Visa application procedure and processing time
Chinese Consulates General in the UK
Applying for a visa notification form through CBBC

Overview of Chinese visas

The demand for Chinese visas has grown rapidly in recent years. To provide a better service for visa applicants, the Chinese Embassy in the UK, following the success of the visa centres of other countries, decided to introduce a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in June 2008.

CVASC is responsible for receiving visa applications for visit to mainland China from ordinary passport holders who are UK citizens and citizens of other countries possessing UK permanent residence or work permits, collecting visa fees on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and returning processed visa applications.

For the most up-to-date information on the visa application process and the necessary application forms we suggest that you visit the website for the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC), please click here.

Nearly all foreign visitors to China will need a visa and the type of visa depends on you purposes i.e. if you are going as a tourist or for business. To read further about the different types of visas (updated November 2009) please click here.

What do you need to know about visas to China?

Visa application procedure and processing time

(1) Application procedure

Book an online appointment at the website of Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) and then submit application to CVASC. Application without appointment will not be accepted. For more information, please click here. CVASC accepts postal application.

(2) Processing time

Regular visa processing time is normally 4 working days. For example, applicants lodging applications on Monday will collect the visas on Thursday. Express visa processing time is normally 3 working days. Applicants requesting the express service must lodge visa applications at the CVASC counter before 12:00 noon, Monday to Friday.

Chinese Consulates General in the UK

Visa applications can also by made from the Chinese Consulates General:
Manchester, Tel: +44 161 2248 672
Edinburgh, Tel: +44 131 3373 220

Applying for a visa notification form through CBBC

In order to apply for a busines visa at the Chinese embassy or consulate you will need a visa notification letter which you can apply for through CBBC. Special member discounted rate applies.

Please click here for more information.