Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- The Chinese Embassy is at 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL
- Visa categories run by letter code: L (tourist), M (business), X (student), Z (work), G or C (transit), Q (family)
- UK visa applications route through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre at visaforchina.cn
- Biometrics are required for most categories
- Confirm current fees and processing times before paying
Address and Contact Details
The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United Kingdom is the principal Chinese diplomatic mission in the country. The Embassy itself sits on Portland Place in the Marylebone area of central London. Visa work is handled at separate Visa Application Service Centres rather than at the Embassy address.
- Embassy Address: 49-51 Portland Place, London, W1B 1JL
- Phone: +44 (0)20 7631 1430
- Embassy Website: https://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk
The closest London Underground stations are Regent's Park on the Bakerloo line and Great Portland Street on the Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan lines. Counter hours can change on Chinese and UK public holidays, including Chinese New Year and the National Day Golden Week, so always confirm timings on the official website before travelling.
Visa Services Available
Chinese visa categories use letter codes. The main categories for UK applicants are:
- L Visa: tourism, sightseeing and short personal visits
- M Visa: business and commercial activities
- X Visa: study (X1 for stays over 180 days, X2 for shorter study)
- Z Visa: paid employment in China
- G or C Visa: transit through China or crew on international transport
- Q Visa: family reunion (Q1 long term, Q2 short visit)
S, F, R, D and J visa categories also exist for other purposes such as private affairs, exchanges, talent and journalism. The Visa Application Service Centre confirms the correct category during your application.
How to Book an Appointment
Visa applications in the UK are handled through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre rather than the Embassy itself. The general path is:
- Visit https://www.visaforchina.cn and select the UK as your application country
- Complete the online visa application form with personal, passport and travel details
- Print the completed form and sign it
- Book a slot at the relevant Visa Application Service Centre
- Attend with your printed form, passport, photo and supporting documents
- Provide biometric fingerprints on the day, where applicable
The London Visa Application Service Centre serves the largest catchment in the UK. Travel and parking around central London can be slow during weekday rush hours, so plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your slot.
Documents and Requirements
Document requirements differ by category, but most applications need:
- A valid UK passport with at least six months of validity remaining and two blank pages
- One recent passport sized photograph meeting Chinese visa photo rules, with a white background
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Proof of UK residence such as a utility bill, bank statement or BRP
- Confirmed flight booking and hotel reservations or invitation letter
- For L Visa: travel itinerary, including hotel bookings or a Chinese host invitation
- For M Visa: business invitation letter from a Chinese company
- For X Visa: JW201 or JW202 form, plus the institution admission notice
- For Z Visa: Work Permit Notification issued by the relevant Chinese authority
- For Q Visa: invitation from a Chinese citizen relative with their ID copy
Originals plus photocopies are usually required, and translations of any non English supporting documents may be requested.
Processing Times and Fees
Standard processing in the UK is around four working days from the day after submission. Express processing in three working days and rush in two working days are sometimes available for an additional fee. Group tours and specific nationalities can affect processing.
Fees vary by category, applicant nationality and number of entries. The Visa Application Service Centre adds a service fee on top of the consular fee. Current schedules are published on visaforchina.cn and chinese-embassy.org.uk, and amounts can change without notice. Pay only through the official routes shown on the centre's site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I apply at the Embassy or at the Visa Application Service Centre?
UK visa applications for China are handled at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, not the Embassy itself. The Embassy address on Portland Place handles diplomatic, policy and certain consular matters. Always start at visaforchina.cn for visa applications.
Are biometrics required for a Chinese visa?
Yes, biometric fingerprints are required for most applicants and most categories. You will be asked to attend the Visa Application Service Centre in person to provide them. Limited exemptions exist for certain age groups and diplomatic passport holders.
Can I get a visa on arrival in China?
Visa on arrival is available in narrow circumstances for short business visits at specific ports. Most UK travellers need a visa before travel. Some short visa free transit options exist for certain cities and nationalities, with strict route conditions.
What is the difference between an X1 and X2 visa?
X1 is for study of more than 180 days in China, requiring a JW201 form. X2 is for shorter study programmes, requiring a JW202 form. After arrival, X1 holders convert to a residence permit while X2 holders use the visa for the full stay.
How long is a tourist L visa valid for?
L visa validity and number of entries depend on the applicant's nationality and travel history. Single, double and multiple entry options exist with different maximum stays per entry. Confirm the issued visa stamp carefully before travelling, as overstaying carries serious penalties.
How We Verified This
Information was drawn from the official Chinese Embassy UK website at chinese-embassy.org.uk, the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre at visaforchina.cn and the UK government's published list of foreign embassies and consulates in the UK on gov.uk. Confirm current information directly with the Embassy or Visa Centre before acting on it.
