Important changes to Chinese Visa applications will come into effect on 1 November 2018.
Fingerprint collection is to be introduced and applicants will be required to book an appointment to process their visa request.
Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Important Notice on Fingerprints Collection of Visa Application

In accordance with Chinese laws and regulations, and based on the principle of reciprocity, as of 1st November 2018, the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres in London, Manchester and Edinburgh (hereinafter referred to as ‘Visa Application Centres’) will collect 10 fingerprints of all visa applicants on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in the U.K..

Please be noted that fingerprints are not required for:

1. Children under 14 years old and adults over 70 years old;

2. Applicants who suffer from ten fingers mutilation or whose fingerprints cannot be collected.

Please note that all applicants should have their fingerprints collected in person at the Visa Application Centres. Visitors to China whose fingerprints do not match may be denied entry and should bear all the consequences. Meanwhile, every applicant is kindly reminded to make an appointment online as early as possible well ahead of his or her travel schedule.