Several thousand British people now live in China, and every year there are ever growing numbers of British tourists.

Consular staff will do everything they properly can to help British citizens in difficulty in China. We have consular officers based in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Hong Kong.

The links on the left explain some of the things that we can do to help - and some of the things we can't do. It also has some advice on subjects such as marrying a Chinese national or what to do if your child is born in China.

In addition to helping British nationals directly, we also operate a network of wardens around China to keep British citizens who are registered with us informed of any changes to our travel advice, and what to do in case of emergency. You can register using this website.

We also have a noticeboard for long-term British residents of China, covering rule changes that might affect them, such as a new way of registering to vote or a new system for renewing driving licences.

Emergency contacts

Medical first aid: 120

Police-reporting service center of Public Security Bureau: 110

Fire alarm: 119

Query of telephone numbers: 114

How to reach us

Note: If you are calling from overseas you will need to dial +86, and then omit the first 0 of the dialling code.

Beijing

The consular section of the British Embassy in Beijing is open to the public Monday to Friday from 0830-1330. Contact details are below. If you are a British National needing emergency assistance, or are calling about a British National who needs emergency assistance, please ring the following number:(86) (0) 10 5192 4000. 

British Embassy Consular Section
Floor 21, North Tower,
Kerry Centre
1 Guanghualu,
Beijing, 100020

Telephone:  (0086) (0)10 8529 6083
Fax: (0086) (0)10 8529 6081
E-mail: consular.beijing@fco.gov.uk

Shanghai

The Consular Section of the British Consulate-General is open Monday to Thursday, 0900 - 1200 and 1400-1630, and Friday 0900 - 1200. If you are a British National needing emergency assistance, or are calling about a British National who needs emergency assistance, please ring the following number: (86) (0) 21 3279 2000.

British Consulate-General, Consular Section
Suite 319, Shanghai Centre
1376 Nanjing Xilu,
Shanghai 200040

Telephone: (0086) (0) 21 3279 2000
Fax: (0086) (0)21 6279 7651
E-mail: consular.shanghai@fco.gov.uk

Guangzhou

The Consular Section of the British Consulate-General in Guangzhou is open to the public on Monday to Friday, 0900 - 1200 and 1330 - 1530. If you are a British National needing emergency assistance, or are calling about a British National who needs emergency assistance, please ring the following number: (86) (0) 20 8314 3000.

British Consulate-General, Consular Section
2/F Guangdong International Hotel
339 Huanshidong Lu
Guangzhou 510098

Telephone: (0086) (0)20 8314 3000
Fax:  (0086) (0)20 8331 2799
E-mail: consular.guangzhou@fco.gov.uk

Chongqing

The Consular Section of the British Consulate-General in Chongqing is open to the public on Monday to Friday, 0900 - 1200 and 1330 - 1530. If you are a British National needing emergency assistance, or are calling about a British National who needs emergency assistance, please ring the following number: (86) (0) 23 6369 1500 .

British Consulate-General, Consular Section
28/F Metropolitan Tower, Zourong Road
Chongqing 400010 

Telephone:  (0086) (0)23 6369 1500
Fax:  (0086) (0)23 6369 1525
E-mail: consular.chongqing@fco.gov.uk

Hong Kong
Click here for more information.