UK in China
Beijing 19:51, 16 May 2012
- You are here:
- Home
- › Help for British nationals
Help for British nationals
This channel provides information on the services offered to British Nationals in China. It is aimed at British nationals planning to visit China, travelling through or living in China. Here you can find information on how we can help you when things go wrong and on our other consular services.
If you are planning to visit China, you can also benefit from checking our latest travel advice for China and advice on do’s and don’ts.
We can help when things go wrong including issuing you with an Emergency Travel Document if you lose your passport or helping you if you become a victim of crime. We can also help if you (or a friend or relative) need to go to hospital, are arrested or if someone you know dies in China.
You may also need to talk to us if you want to marry in China or to have a baby in China . We also have some information on how to obtain a criminal record check and on the other notarial services we can provide, such as swearing an oath or making a certified copy of your passport – and on what you’ll need to bring with you. We charge a fee for these services, which contribute towards the cost of our operations.
We’re here to help – but there are some things we don’t do. We're not here to get you out of jail or to pay your medical bills. For visa information for China – you’ll need to contact the Chinese Embassy in the UK or the Public Security Bureau in China. For visas for the UK, you’ll need to see the UK Border Agency’s pages.
You can download the FCO's Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide (PDF) for more information.
The British Embassy is in Beijing and we have four other Consulates-General in China, in Chongqing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai. If you need help, you should contact the Consular Assistance team at the post nearest or best able to help you.
Our Consular offices in China operate an appointment system during our office hours. You don’t need to make an appointment in an emergency – but it will help you and us if you can. You can also find information on how to contact us in an emergency outside office hours here.
China travel advice
Latest travel advice for those travelling to China. Includes information on entry requirements, security, local laws and health.
Living in China
Consular staff will do everything they can to help British citizens in difficulty in China. We have consular officers based in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chongqing.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to some frequently asked questions about 'Help for British nationals'.
Contact our Consular Sections
Contacts of the Consular Sections of the British Embassy Beijing and Consulates-General Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing.
Appointment Only
The Consular Offices in China operate a by an 'appointment only' system for all notarial and documentary services. Please see 'Contact our Consular Sections' for more details.
Office Holidays 2012
Click here for a list of Office Holidays in 2012.
Register with us
Our LOCATE service can help in a crisis