Travel requirements for China

Entry requirements for China

Passport validity

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you arrive and have 2 blank pages.

Visas

British passport holders do not normally need a visa for short tourist stays.

Source: UK Foreign Travel Advice — China. Always confirm the latest requirements before you travel.

Vaccines for travel to China

Based on NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro guidance for UK travellers. Lead times assume protection is needed on the day you arrive.

• Hepatitis A Recommended

  2 weeks before travel
• Tetanus / Diphtheria Recommended

  Booster recommended if last dose was more than 10 years ago.

• Typhoid Recommended

  Recommended for most travellers, particularly those visiting friends/relatives and frequent travellers.

  2 weeks before travel
• Chikungunya Consider

  For ages 12+. Consider for those travelling during outbreaks or with prolonged stays.

  2 weeks before travel
• Dengue Consider
• Hepatitis B Consider

  Recommended for those with sexual risk, healthcare workers, and long-stay travellers.

  3 weeks before travel
• Japanese Encephalitis Consider

  Risk year-round; highest May–October. Recommended for 1+ month stays during transmission season. Low risk for short urban trips.

  4 weeks before travel
• Rabies (Pre-exposure) Consider

  Pre-exposure for those with occupational exposure, long stays (1+ month), or limited access to medical care.

  4 weeks before travel
• Tick-borne Encephalitis Consider

  For those with outdoor activities in affected areas during spring–autumn.

  2 weeks before travel
• Tuberculosis (BCG) Consider

Source: NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro — China.

Driving in China

The UK government does not list China as requiring a UK International Driving Permit (IDP). If you plan to drive, check with the embassy of China and your car-hire company before you travel.