Visitor visa
Chinese visitors need a visitor visa — not an ETA
Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa
A People’s Republic of China passport is not on the ETA list. You need a Standard Visitor visa. A Hong Kong SAR passport is on the ETA list — that is a different document. Taiwan passports that include the national ID number are also on the ETA list. Do not put a PRC passport into the UK ETA app and expect a valid travel permission. Apply for the visitor visa on GOV.UK. Group tours still need a visa per person. If you already study in the UK, travel on your student visa, not a new ETA.
Standard Visitor visa on GOV.UK →
Chinese travel facts
| Passport | China |
|---|---|
| Roll-out | Not on Appendix ETA — Standard Visitor visa |
| What you need | Standard Visitor visa |
| Stay | Usually up to 6 months as a visitor |
| Work | Not allowed on visit permission |
| Landside transit | Usually a visa or transit visa — check GOV.UK |
Mistakes chinese visitors make
- Travel agencies in the PRC selling ‘ETA’ for ordinary Chinese passports.
- Mixing up HKSAR and PRC passports in the same family.
London notes for Chinese arrivals
Direct PEK/PVG–LHR services use Heathrow. With a granted visitor visa, contactless on the Tube works. VAT on shopping is not an immigration issue; working in a shop is — visitor visas do not allow it.
FAQs
- Does China get UK ETA?
- PRC passports: no. HKSAR passports: yes. Taiwan (with ID number in the passport): yes.
- Can I apply as a tour group on one form?
- Each traveller needs their own visitor visa application.
Other passports
Bodhixt is not affiliated with UKVI. Confirm on GOV.UK before you book. Apply via https://www.gov.uk/eta only.