Before you fly · Reviewed 2026-10-28
UK or US passport? Start here.
The rules are different. Your passport, purpose and travel date matter.
The UK waiver described below is stated through 31 December 2026. A later trip needs a fresh policy check.
British citizen passports
The Chinese Embassy’s current notice includes UK ordinary passports in a visa waiver for visits of up to 30 days for tourism and certain other purposes, in effect through 31 December 2026. GOV.UK specifies standard passports showing British citizen nationality. Do not assume the arrangement continues into 2027.
US passports
US government guidance says a visa is generally required before travel, with limited exceptions. A transit exemption has separate conditions; it is not the same as the UK visitor arrangement. Check with the Chinese embassy for your own circumstances.
Before booking
Read the official guidance for your document type and purpose. Check passport validity with your carrier and keep supporting trip documents accessible. Hong Kong and Macao have separate entry rules.
Go to the source.
Reviewed 2026-10-28. Check the linked service again for your travel date.
Chinese Embassy in the UK · visa-free entryGOV.UK · China entry requirementsUS Department of State · China travel guidance