China Visa FAQs

This page has been designed to help answer your questions regarding your Chinese Visa Application.

Chinese Visa - Fingerprint FAQs

• How do I pre-book my finger print appointment online?

  London: Please click 'here' to pre-book your appointment at the London Visa Centre.

  Everywhere else: please visit www.visaforchina.org to make an appointment.

• How do I need get my passport back?

  London: We will collect your passport on your behalf and return to you by Royal Mail Special Delivery.

  Everywhere else: The service centre will advise you when to collect your passport which does not require another appointment to collect. You will need to make two trips, one to drop off and one to collect.

• How long will I be without my passport?

  London: Approx. 2 weeks (London is a much busier service centre).

  Everywhere else: Approx. 1 week.

• Can I cancel my booking due to the new finger print rules?

  Unfortunately, this change is completely out of our control and our normal booking conditions and charges apply.

• Can I change my holiday to a different destination?

  Yes, this may be possible. Amendment fees and additional costs may apply.

• Do you cover travel expenses/overnight accommodation to the relevant visa centre?

  We will not be able to cover any travel expenses/overnight accommodation.

• How much is the visa refund for those visiting Manchester, Edinburgh and Belfast?

  The nett cost of the visa for a group tour is ￡151.00 per person for British passport holders - this cost will be removed from your invoice, if it is included in your tour. If you booked through a travel agent, they will do this for you. If you are travelling to China on an international cruise liner (i.e Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean etc) then the refund may be higher.

• Can we meet you at your office in London on the day of our appointment?

  A member of our team will meet you at the London Visa Centre and not our office.

• What do I do upon arrival at the London visa centre?

  Identify yourself to the Wendy Wu Tours staff member and not at reception. The staff member will be wearing a Wendy Wu Tours branded shirt and will have a sign. If you are lost, then please contact our office on 0800 630 0888.

• What is the process If I am over 70 years old?

  Please view our below page which explains the procedure if you're aged 70 or over.
  
  https://www.wendywutours.co.uk/help-and-advice/passports-and-visas/china/
   

• Do all applicants have to apply together at the same visa centre?

  No, applicants can apply at different visa centre's at different times. 

• Can I book my appointment at any time?

  London - you can book your appointment as far in advance as you wish. However, it must be no earlier than 11 weeks prior to your arrival date into China, otherwise your application will be refused.
  
  Everywhere else - We recommend you check the relevant visa centre website for their live availability. You cannot submit your application more than 11 weeks prior to arrival date into China. 

• What happens if one (or more) applicants require fingerprint and the other applicant doesn't?

  The applicant under 70 will need to apply at the visa centre to provide fingerprints. The applicant over 70 can post their applications to us.
  
  Alternatively, you can both apply together at the visa centre. 

• I have had a Chinese visa before but I am not sure what the visa type is?

  Please click 'here' to view the different types of visa - they are categorised by letters. The online application form will ask for this.

The above information is subject to change.

Chinese Visa - General FAQs

• Does the visa form have to be typed?

  Yes, the online form must be completed. 

• What happens if I do my own visa?

  In most cases, we would refund you the cost of the visa, which is included within your tour cost. Once we have been informed of this, we will then send you an invitation letter which is to be presented along with your visa application as supporting documents.

  You will have to make an appointment to submit your application at your nearest service centre to you (London, Manchester and Edinburgh). You will need to visit twice, once to submit then again to collect at a later date.

• Will I be staying at the same hotels that I have listed on the application form?

  No, you will receive your confirmed hotel list 2-3 weeks prior to departure with Final Document pack.

• Will my occupation affect my application?

  Occupation does not tend to be an issue unless you work as one of the following:

  • Government Officials
  • Charity Workers
  • Media (TV, Journalist, Writer, etc)
  • Religious Worker
  • Photographer / Videographer

  If you work as any of the above, please call us on 0800 630 0888, as this may also affect when you can apply for the visa.

• What if I make a mistake?

  If you make a mistake on the application form, then you will need to redo the form correctly.

• What happens if I do not hold a British or EU passport?

  Please call us on 0800 630 0888 to discuss further.

• I was born outside of the UK and EU, will this affect my application?

  Yes, this can affect your application, even if you have a British passport.

  Depending on where you were born or what passport you currently hold, it varies on what supporting documents are required so please contact us on 0800 630 0888.

• What if I don't have a UK address?

  We cannot process any applications unless you have a UK address. Please speak to the Chinese embassy in your country of residence.

• What if I have no Major Family Members?

  This section cannot be left blank. If you do not have any major family members then please list the details of your solicitor, doctor or close family friend.

  You only need to list at least one person’s details.

• What do I need to do if I have had a Chinese visa previously?

  If your Chinese visa is no longer valid, please send a coloured photocopy to us along with your application.

  If you have renewed your passport and have an unexpired visa in your old passport, then you need to submit both old and new passports.

• What happens if I have a criminal record?

  If your criminal record is spent then you do not need to declare it on the form. If it is still ongoing then please call us on 0800 630 0888.

• Do I need to list Hong Kong on my Chinese visa application?

  No, there is no need to mention this on the Chinese visa application as Hong Kong is not part of Mainland China. This also applies to Tibet.

• How can I find out my arrival date into China?

  This is usually the day after you depart from the UK as flights to China are overnight. So for example if you depart London on the 11th March you will arrive Beijing on the 12 March.

  Your full flight information can be found on your confirmation invoice.