Last reviewed: May 2026
TL;DR- Chinese visa applications in the UK go through CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Centres), operated by VFS Global.
- UK centres are in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and consulates.
- All Chinese visa categories including L (tourist), M (business), F (exchange), Q (family), S (study with relatives), X (student), Z (work) are processed at CVASC.
- Some UK passport holders qualify for short-stay visa-free entry to mainland China under recent policy changes. Verify eligibility before booking a CVASC slot.
- VFS does not decide visas. The embassy or consulate decides; CVASC handles documents and biometrics only.
Address and Contact Details
The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) is operated in the UK by VFS Global on behalf of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China and its consulates in Manchester and Edinburgh. The London CVASC has historically been based near Aldgate, while Manchester and Edinburgh centres have used different city centre addresses over time.
To find the current CVASC address for your city, open visaforchina.cn and select London, Manchester or Edinburgh from the centre selector. The portal shows the full address, postcode, opening hours and access notes.
Verify the current CVASC address at visaforchina.cn before travelling. CVASC publishes a separate phone number and email for each UK centre on its website.
Countries and Visa Types Handled
CVASC processes all standard visa categories for travel to mainland China. Hong Kong and Macao have separate rules and most UK passport holders do not need a visa for short stays. Common Chinese visa types include:
- L visa - tourism.
- M visa - commercial or business.
- F visa - exchange, visit or study not leading to a degree.
- X1 and X2 visas - long-term and short-term study.
- Z visa - work.
- Q1 and Q2 visas - family reunion or visit with Chinese citizens or permanent residents.
- S1 and S2 visas - private affairs with relatives of foreigners working or studying in China.
- R visa - high-level talent.
- C visa - crew.
- G visa - transit (where required).
- J1 and J2 visas - journalists.
Recent policy changes have introduced short-stay visa-free entry for UK passport holders for specific durations under defined conditions. Check the current rules at visaforchina.cn before booking, because a CVASC application is unnecessary if you qualify for visa-free entry.
How to Book an Appointment
- Open visaforchina.cn and select London, Manchester or Edinburgh as your centre.
- Create an account and complete the COVA (Chinese Online Visa Application) form online.
- Upload required documents in PDF format. The system flags missing items.
- Book an appointment slot at your chosen CVASC.
- Pay the visa fee and CVASC service fee online (some categories still pay at the centre).
- Print the confirmation page and bring the signed application form, passport and supporting documents to your appointment.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
- Printed CVASC appointment confirmation.
- Signed visa application form (COVA confirmation).
- Current passport with at least six months validity and at least two blank pages.
- Passport-style photograph (33mm x 48mm, white background).
- Proof of UK residency (BRP, vignette, settled status, or utility bill).
- Documents for your visa category: invitation letter, employer letter, university admission notice, hotel and flight bookings, family relationship proof.
- Old passports if applicable.
- Photocopies of all key documents.
Processing Times and Fees
Visa fees vary by nationality and number of entries. UK passport holders pay one tier; other nationalities applying in the UK pay rates set by reciprocity with their home country. CVASC service fees are charged in addition to the consular visa fee.
Standard processing typically takes four working days. Express and rush services may be available at extra cost. During peak periods, including Chinese New Year and the summer travel season, slot availability is tight.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK passport holders still need a visa for short-stay visits to China?
Recent policy changes allow short-stay visa-free entry for UK nationals under specific conditions and durations. Always confirm at visaforchina.cn before booking, as the rules can change.
Is CVASC the same as the Chinese Embassy?
No. CVASC is operated by VFS Global on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and consulates. The embassy itself does not accept walk-in applications.
Do I need biometrics for a Chinese visa?
Most applicants over the age of 14 are required to provide biometrics at CVASC. There are limited exemptions.
Can I post my passport to CVASC instead of attending in person?
No, unless you are specifically exempt from biometrics. Most applicants must attend in person.
What is the difference between L, M and F visas?
L is for tourism, M is for commercial or business activities, and F is for non-commercial exchanges and short study visits.
How We Verified This
We cross-referenced visaforchina.cn (London, Manchester and Edinburgh CVASC pages), the Chinese Embassy in the UK website, and gov.uk foreign travel advice for China. Because Chinese visa policy and centre addresses can change with little notice, we direct readers to the official CVASC portal for live information.
