Too late to apply for China Visa?

Question

Hey, I'm planning to fly to China 12 April this year (last minute decision). Is it too late to get a visa (I'm in London, UK citizen). I've heard that it usually takes a week to process VISAs.

Answer

If you are a UK citizen currently in London and planning to travel to China on 12 April, it is still possible to obtain a visa, but timing will depend on how quickly you submit your application and whether you choose the express or standard service. The Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in London usually processes tourist (L) visas within several working days, so there’s still time if you act immediately.

Under normal circumstances, the standard processing time for a Chinese visa is about 4 working days after submission, but faster services are available for urgent cases. You must first complete the online application form, book an appointment through the CVASC website, and attend an in-person appointment to submit your documents and biometric information.

Regular Service: Typically 4 working days. If you submit early this week, you could still receive your visa before 12 April, assuming no issues or public holidays affect processing.
Express Service: Usually 3 working days. This is ideal if you are applying within a week of travel.
Urgent Service: Often 1–2 working days, available in some cases for an additional fee. You should confirm availability directly with the London CVASC before applying, as not all applications qualify for this service.

You will need to provide your valid passport, a recent photo, your completed online visa application form, flight and hotel bookings (or invitation letter), and any supporting documents depending on your travel purpose. The passport must have at least six months of validity remaining and two blank visa pages.

Given that you are departing soon, it’s best to gather your documents immediately and make an appointment at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in London. Appointments are usually required, but you can sometimes find cancellations that allow for earlier submission. If your trip is very soon and the timing becomes too tight, you could also explore nearby centres such as Manchester or Edinburgh, which may have slightly shorter appointment queues.

If, for any reason, you cannot secure a visa in time, you could also look into whether your planned route qualifies for China’s 144-hour visa-free transit policy, which allows certain UK travelers to stay in major cities (such as Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou) for up to six days when transiting between two different countries. However, this depends on your exact itinerary and entry/exit ports, so it is only an option if your route meets the transit visa exemption rules.

In summary:

It is not too late to apply for a Chinese visa from London if you apply immediately.
Use express or urgent processing to ensure you receive it before 12 April.
Double-check your travel dates and flight connections in case the 144-hour visa-free transit applies to your journey.

With prompt action and all documents prepared, most travelers can still obtain a visa within a few business days in London. Acting early in the week maximizes your chances of meeting your planned departure date.

Too late to apply for China Visa?

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