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Visa Confirmation

Hi,

Apologies, I know its that common question but I think I'm good, just need confirmation before I commit and book my flights. Am I good for the free visa system for my 2 week holiday;

London to HK for 4/5 nights

HK to Guilin (train) 3/4 nights

Guilin to Shanghai (train) 4/5 nights

Shanghai to London

Thanks for reading and your help would be muchly appreciated.

For your proposed itinerary, it is important to distinguish between Hong Kong and mainland China in terms of visa requirements. Hong Kong has its own immigration system separate from mainland China.

Hong Kong:

  • As a UK passport holder, you can enter Hong Kong visa-free for up to 180 days. Your 4–5 night stay in Hong Kong is fully covered under this visa exemption.

Mainland China:

  • Traveling from Hong Kong to Guilin (mainland China) by train requires a valid Chinese visa. The free visa or visa-free transit options (such as 24-hour or 144-hour transit) generally only apply if you are transiting through certain cities and staying under strict conditions. These rules do not cover multi-city travel or extended stays.
  • Your plan involves entering mainland China, traveling from Guilin to Shanghai, and then returning to the UK. This exceeds typical transit exemptions and does not qualify for the free visa system.
  • Therefore, you will need to obtain a standard Chinese tourist (L) visa before your trip. This can be applied for at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in the UK and is usually issued for single or multiple entries with durations that can cover your 2-week stay.

Summary:

  • Your stay in Hong Kong is visa-free for UK citizens, so no issues there.
  • For mainland China (Guilin and Shanghai), you must apply for a standard Chinese tourist visa prior to departure.
  • Train travel between cities in China is allowed once you have the visa.
  • Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from the date of entry into China.

In conclusion, while you can freely enter Hong Kong, your mainland China leg requires a visa. Book your flights and trains after securing your Chinese visa to avoid any issues at the border.

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