British, EU and US nationals require a visa to enter mainland China. British nationals do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong or Macau.

Visas can be applied for in advance through the China Visa Application Service Centre. To go directly to the website of the Visa Service Centre in London, click here. It is not possible to get a visa on arrival in China.

Application is by post or in person. We strongly recommend applying two months in advance, as turnaround is not normally quick.

Visas to China are costly. For UK citizens, a single-entry visa costs £85. Processing fees from the Visa Application Serice, depending on the application method chosen, in effect double this charge. Expect to pay approximately £150.

If your itinerary involves travel to Tibet, please discuss with our office in advance.

When to Travel

China is practically a continent in and of itself, and it's climate is consequently diverse. The best time to travel will vary according to the region of the country you are visiting, but general guidelines can be given.

Southern China experiences a subtropical climate. Summer (Jun-Sept) is hot, wet and humid, while the winter months are mild but rarely cold outside of the highland areas. Early Spring and Autumn are the preferred times to visit Guangxi, Hunan and southern Yunnan provinces, while Hainan island is perhaps best visited during the winter months of January and February, when you can expect dry conditions and comparatively moderate temperatures.

Northern China experiences more pronounced seasonal variations. Winter in Beijing is bitterly cold, while summer temperatures frequently exceed 35°C. Venture further north, into Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang and Heilongjiang, and the winters become harsher. Spring and Autumn are a pleasant time to visit this region, with temperatures beginning to warm in March and the summer heat typically subsiding in October.

Rainfall patterns vary throughout the country. In the south, the summer months see the heaviest rainfall, with peak typhoon season occurring between July and September on the south-eastern coast. Northern and Central China experience a more even spread of rainfall throughout the year, though regional patterns vary.

Across the country as a whole, Spring and Autumn are generally the best months to travel. The mountain regions, including northern Yunnan province and Tibet, are an exception, with the summer months being the preferred time to travel. Tropical Hainan is best visited in the winter.

Attention should also be paid to national holidays when travelling to China. Labour day (1-3 May) and Golden Week (29 Sep - 10 Oct) should be avoided, as tourist attractions can become incredibly crowded. The summer holidays, too, see large crowds in the more popular tourist spots.

Health & Immunisation

Health recommendations will vary according to the region(s) of China you are visiting. For the latest guidance, consult your doctor/travel nurse at least 8 weeks prior to departure. See also the NHS Fit for Travel website.

Malaria is no longer considered a serious risk in China except in southern Yunnan province and Hainan. There is a slight risk in rural regions of the southern provinces. Anti-malarials are not generally advised but do contact your doctor for the latest guidelines.

Currency

China's currency is the Renminbi. Foreign currencies, including US dollars, are rarely accepted in China, so you will need to carry local currency. Cash is preferred, as cards are not widely accepted outside of hotels, restaurants and city shops (though this is changing).

ATMs are common in China, though not all will accept foreign cards.

Exchange rates in China are regulated by the government; however contrary to what you may read online this does not mean that airport exchanges offer the exact same rate as banks - service charges and handling fees are often charged to inflate the rate. It is recommend that you exchange your money at a bank; ask your guide for assistance at the start of your tour. You may prefer to purchase some Renminbi before travelling, though you will generally get a better rate in China.

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in China. However, as in many countries, it has become expected within the tourism industry.

As a general guideline, on guided tours we recommend approx. $10-15 per day per person to be distributed among guide(s) and driver. Tipping is fully at your discretion, however.

It is not necessary or customary to tip in restaurants in China. In cities such as Shanghai and Beijing, however, it is increasingly common for restaurants to add a service charge.