Nearly all foreign visitors to China will need a visa. Visa forms are available for download from the embassy at www.chinese-embassy.org.uk. In general, you need to apply for a visa in person at the Chinese Embassy (31 Portland Place, London. Tel. 090 0188 0808) before you leave.

The embassy is only open in the mornings, between 9.00 am and 12.00 pm - and it is best to get there before 9 to avoid long queues. A completed form, a passport photo and your passport with a blank double page page in it are required. Please also note that your passport must be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry into China. You can normally collect your passport after three days, but if you pay £15 extra, you can pick it up the next day, or £20 extra, the same day.

Applications can also by made from the Chinese Consulates General in Manchester (0161-2248672) or Edinburgh (0131-3164789).

Cash or Postal order only (pay to the Chinese Embassy). Personal Cheque is not acceptable.

Pay on collection. No refund if the visa is turned down or cancelled.

Business visas
In the run-up to the Olympic Games in Beijing, new restrictions have been placed on the issue of business visas for China (especially multiple entry visas).

The situation is changing, but for up-to-date information on this, we suggest you visit the website for the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) at: www.visaforchina.org.uk

CVASC is responsible for receiving visa applications for visits 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.