UK citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days. Direct flights available from London. No embassy queue, no application forms.
Visa Policy
From 2026, UK citizens benefit from China's visa-free transit policy for tourist and short-stay travel. The policy allows stays of up to 30 consecutive days without the need to apply for a visa in advance.
Before 2026, UK citizens needed to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) through the Chinese Embassy — a process that typically took 5–10 working days, cost around £151, and required an appointment, supporting documents, and an itinerary. The visa-free policy removes all of that.
Good to know: The 30-day window starts from your date of entry into China. You must leave before the window closes. Overstaying can result in fines and future travel restrictions.
Your Trip Timeline
Direct flight London → Chongqing (or Beijing/Shanghai). Arrival at your destination. Rest and acclimatise.
Your first appointment at the Grade-A hospital. Full blood panel, imaging (MRI/CT), specialist consultation with bilingual escort.
Advanced diagnostics, procedure scheduling, and treatment. Most international patients complete their primary treatment within 3–5 days.
Hospital monitoring, follow-up appointments, and English medical report preparation (ready in 5–7 working days post-discharge).
Collect your English medical report and discharge summary. Return to the UK with full documentation for your GP.
If time allows, board a 5-star Yangtze cruise — now included as part of many Discovery China medical packages. The policy allows it. The experience is unforgettable.
Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from China.
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Beijing or Shanghai, then domestic connection to Chongqing. Several airlines operate year-round.
Immigration officers may ask to see an onward or return ticket. Have this documentation ready before you travel.
Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a Chinese resident. Keep printed copies to present at immigration.
At Chinese immigration, complete the arrivals card and declare your purpose as tourism. No visa needed — stamp your passport directly.
Mark your calendar. You must exit China by midnight on day 30. Overstaying carries penalties — fines, and potentially a ban from future visa-free entry.
Get the free Discovery China Info Pack — full cost breakdown, hospital credentials, visa guidance, and a personalised itinerary for your situation.
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Expert guides on NHS wait times, medical tourism, and healthcare in China