China Tourist Infomation © kin;aesthetic

Visa, Passport and Money Matters

Whether you build your own China holiday using a selection of our bite-sized China trips, or choose from one of our ready-made suggested holidays in China, it's really important to get up-to-date with all the essential China travel information (such as visa requirements) before you begin your trip.

Below, we've put together some top tips, advice and information regarding passports, visa applications and currency to help you get prepared for your exciting China adventure.

China Tourist Information: Passports and Visas

In preparation for your much anticipated holiday in China, it's a good idea to make sure that your passport is up to date. All travellers with European passports (including UK passports) must have a valid visa stamped into their passports prior to departure, so make sure you organise this before you travel.

In order to be granted a Chinese visa, your passport must be valid at least 6 months after your intended departure from China, and have at least one blank page. You'll need to complete the Visa application form, supply photos, payment, and you may need to provide details of your flights and travel vouchers. The visa request form can downloaded in advance from the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC).

China Visa Infomation - Planning your trip

China Tourist Information: When To Apply

Chinese Visa's are usually valid for 90 days from the day of issue, for a maximum stay of 30 days within China, so don't get your visa too early. The application process can be very quick or take a few weeks, depending on the time of year so please leave adequate time for your application.

Chinese Visa details/requirements can change rapidly, so if in any doubt please contact the Chinese Embassy for up to date details.

Hong Kong
With a UK passport, you do not require a visa to visit Hong Kong, unless you plan on staying longer than 3 months. If you plan to leave Hong Kong to enter China, you’ll need a Chinese Visa in advance. If you leave China to enter Hong Kong, and plan to return to mainland China afterwards, you'll need a double entry Chinese visa.

China Tourist Information: Visa Costs

A single entry Chinese visa will cost you around £60. This is made up of a £30 visa fee, and a £30 processing fee from the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). Tel. 020 7842 0960, Email : UKCENTRE@visaforchina.org Address: Morely House, 26 Holborn Viaducts, London, EC1A 2AT.

A double entry Chinese visa will cost you around £75.(These are only necessary if you go from mainland China to Hong Kong, and then back to mainland China for example).

An Express Service is available at an additional charge of £25. If you wish to use this type of service, you'll submit your passport before 12:00. Visas are best paid for in cash.

China Visa Infomation - Visa Information

China Tourist Information: How To Apply

All in-person and postal visa applications must now be submitted to CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Centre), which is responsible for handling visa applications for visits to mainland China and collecting visa fees on behalf of the Chinese Embassy.

Please visit www.visaforchina.org.uk to download the application form. This site also provides information on how to apply for your Chinese visa. UK citizens can either submit an application form by visiting the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) or by post. Please note that if you wish to apply for your Visa in person you must arrange an appointment on-line first with the CVASC (click on the above link and follow the instructions), you will not be able to just show up at the centre without one.

Please note: Chinese Visa details requirements can change rapidly, so if in any doubt please contact the Chinese Embassy or for up to date details.

China Tourist Information: Currency

Chinese money is referred to as renminbi, 'peoples money'. The national currency is the Yuan, however when paying you may hear it being referred to as 'kuai.'

We had no problem at all travelling through China with only an ATM card, credit card and some cash. You'll be able to visit ATM's at every airport and in every city; though it may take a little while to find ATM's with the Maestro or Cirrus trademarks and you may occasionally reach an empty ATM. In these situations it's best to have some spare cash at hand.

Credit cards are not accepted at all locations; however they are accepted in hotels, larger stores and restaurants, mainly in cities.