Chinese Embassy London: Address, Visa, Appointment & China Visa Application

If you are looking for the Chinese Embassy London, this guide provides the latest information about the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom, its address, visa services, China visa applications from the UK, application requirements, fees and the online application process.

The Chinese Embassy in London provides diplomatic and consular services for Chinese citizens and handles various matters relating to China and the United Kingdom. However, ordinary Chinese visa applications in London are handled through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, rather than simply walking into the Embassy for a standard tourist visa

Chinese Embassy London Address

The Chinese Embassy is located at:

Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom
49 Portland Place
London W1B 1JL
United Kingdom

The Embassy’s official website lists 49 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL as its contact address. The Embassy building itself occupies 49/51 Portland Place.

Chinese Visa Application Centre London Address

For ordinary Chinese visa applications, applicants should use the:

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London
12 Old Jewry
London EC2R 8DU
United Kingdom

The nearest Underground station is Bank Station, while Cannon Street is the nearest railway station.

Visa Centre telephone: +44 (0)20 3915 2277
Email: ukcentre@visaforchina.org

The centre’s listed application submission hours are generally Monday to Friday, excluding holidays. Regular and express applications are accepted from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, while urgent applications are accepted from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for China?

This is one of the most important things to check before starting a China visa application from the UK.

As of 2026, ordinary passport holders from the UK can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for qualifying purposes including:

• Tourism
• Business
• Visiting family or friends
• Exchanges
• Transit

The current unilateral visa exemption runs from February 17, 2026, through December 31, 2026, subject to the stated conditions. Travelers who do not qualify for the exemption still need to obtain the appropriate Chinese visa before traveling.

Therefore, check the current visa-free rules before beginning a Chinese visa application.

Check the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre

Chinese Embassy London Visa Services

For people who do require a visa, China has several visa categories depending on the purpose of travel.

Common categories include:

The London Visa Centre’s online system lists these and other categories when applicants begin an application.

How to Apply for a China Visa from the UK Online

The Chinese visa application process in London has an important online stage.

The Visa Application Service Centre states that applicants must complete the application and submit supporting materials online for review before going to the centre to submit their physical documents.

Step 1: Check Whether You Actually Need a Visa

Before completing an application, determine whether you qualify for China’s current visa-free entry policy.

For eligible UK ordinary passport holders visiting China for qualifying purposes for up to 30 days, a visa may not be required during the current exemption period.

If your trip does not qualify, continue with the visa application.

Step 2: Visit the Official China Visa Application Website

Go to the official Chinese Visa Application Service Centre London website.

Start your China visa application

The online system asks you to select information such as:

• Passport type
• Passport validity
• Intended arrival date in China
• Purpose of visit
• Visa category

The system supports categories including tourism, business, study, work, family visits and transit.

Step 3: Select Your Passport Type

For a standard UK passport, select Ordinary Passport.

The London Visa Centre specifically states that its online system handles applications for ordinary passport holders, while diplomatic and official-purpose applicants are directed to the appropriate consular channel.

Step 4: Select Your Purpose of Travel

Choose the purpose that accurately describes your trip.

For example:

Tourism → L Visa

Business → M Visa

Work → Z Visa

Study → X Visa

Transit → G Visa

Do not select a visa category simply because it appears easier to obtain. Your supporting documents must correspond to the purpose of your trip.

Step 5: Complete the Chinese Visa Application Form

Enter your personal and travel information carefully.

You may need information including:

• Full name
• Date and place of birth
• Passport details
• Nationality
• Contact information
• Employment information
• Travel plans
• Intended destination in China
• Previous international travel
• Information about your Chinese contact or invitation where applicable

Check everything before submitting because mistakes can delay the review.

Step 6: Upload the Required Documents

The online system requires applicants to submit supporting materials for review.

The exact documents depend on the visa category.

For example, the London Visa Centre’s requirements include a passport with at least six months’ remaining validity and at least two blank visa pages, together with a copy of the relevant passport information page.

A recent colour passport photograph is also required under the stated application requirements.

Additional documents may be required depending on whether you are applying for tourism, business, work, study or another purpose.

Step 7: Submit the Application Online

After completing the form and uploading the required documents, submit the application through the online system.

The Visa Centre recommends that applicants submit their online application at least 30 days before travelling.

Step 8: Wait for Online Review

The Visa Centre reviews the application and uploaded documents online.

Do not immediately go to the Visa Centre after completing the online form.

You should wait until your application has passed the online review and you receive the relevant approval/review email.

Step 9: Print Your Visa Application Certificate

After your online review is completed, check your email and application status.

The Visa Centre instructs applicants to confirm that their status is “Review Completed”, check the confirmation email and print the Visa Application Certificate.

Take this certificate with you when submitting the physical application.

Step 10: Visit the Chinese Visa Centre in London

After your online review has been approved, go to:

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre
12 Old Jewry
London EC2R 8DU

The Visa Centre currently operates without the traditional appointment-booking requirement for ordinary applications; applicants can visit the centre with the completed online application and supporting documents.

Bring your:

• Original passport
• Visa Application Certificate
• Required supporting documents
• Passport photograph where required
• Any additional documents requested by the Visa Centre

Step 11: Submit Your Passport and Documents

At the Visa Centre, your application and documents will be checked.

Some applicants may need to appear in person and provide fingerprints, although fingerprint requirements can vary according to current Chinese policy and the applicant’s circumstances. Consular officers may also request an interview.

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Step 12: Pay the China Visa Fees

Payment is made when the application is lodged at the London Visa Centre.

The centre states that London applicants can pay in pounds sterling by cash or debit card. Visa and service fees are generally non-refundable if the application is refused.

Important

The exact amount depends on factors including:

• Visa type
• Number of entries
• Processing service
• Applicant’s nationality
• Applicable bilateral arrangements

Therefore, do not publish one universal “China visa price UK” as though it applies to every applicant.

The official fee schedule should be checked immediately before applying.

Check the latest China visa fees for London

China Visa Processing Options

The London Visa Centre provides different processing services.

Applicants should check the current processing options and fees when submitting their application.

The centre also offers optional VIP services, including:

Hassle-Free Package

£132

Includes assistance with completing the application form and free printing/copying services.

Priority Processing Package

£66

Includes priority processing and no reservation requirement.

Flexible Access Package

£66

Provides extended-hour submission options and free printing.

These are optional Visa Centre services, not the standard Chinese visa fee itself.

How Long Before Traveling Should You Apply?

The London Visa Centre recommends applying about one month before you plan to enter China. Its current online review notice says to submit the online application at least 30 days before travel.

The centre also advises that applications generally should not be submitted more than three months before the intended entry date.

How to Collect Your Chinese Visa Passport

When you submit your application, you receive a pickup form.

Keep this document safely.

The date for passport collection is shown on the pickup form. When collecting your passport, bring the pickup form to the Visa Centre.

Before leaving, carefully check:

• Your name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Visa validity
• Number of entries
• Duration of stay

If you notice an error, immediately notify the Visa Centre.

Chinese Visa Application Centre London Opening Hours

Address:
12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU

Regular/Express submission: 9:00 AM–3:00 PM

Urgent submission: 9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Regular passport collection: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Express/Urgent collection: 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

These hours apply on working days and exclude weekends and public holidays.

Chinese Embassy London Contact Information

Embassy:
49 Portland Place
London W1B 1JL
United Kingdom

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre:
12 Old Jewry
London EC2R 8DU
United Kingdom

Visa Centre telephone: +44 (0)20 3915 2277

Visa Centre email: ukcentre@visaforchina.org

Frequently Asked Questions About the Chinese Embassy London

Where is the Chinese Embassy in London?

The Chinese Embassy is located at 49 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL.

Where can I apply for a Chinese visa in London?

Ordinary visa applicants should use the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre at 12 Old Jewry, London EC2R 8DU.

Can I apply for a China visa online from the UK?

No, you cannot complete the entire process online. You must start your application through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center.
Fill out the form online.
Upload your documents online.
They will review your documents digitally. Once approved, you must visit the visa center in person. You will submit physical documents and provide fingerprints, unless exempt.

Do UK citizens currently need a visa for China?

Not necessarily. Eligible UK ordinary passport holders can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for qualifying tourism, business, family/friends visits, exchanges and transit through December 31, 2026.

Do I need an appointment for a China visa in London?

No, you do not need an appointment. The Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the UK canceled online visa appointments. You can now visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in London directly on a walk-in basis.

How much is a China visa from the UK?

Until December 31, 2026, British passport holders can travel to China visa-free for up to 30 days.
This applies to tourism, business, family visits, or transit. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, a regular Chinese visa usually costs £85. This price applies to most visa types. It reflects an official fee cut extended through the end of 2026

Official Links

Chinese Embassy in the UK:
Chinese Embassy London official website

Chinese Visa Application Service Centre London:
China Visa Application Centre London

China visa fees:
Official London Visa Fee Information