The Embassy of China in London is China’s diplomatic mission to the United Kingdom. Chinese nationals in the UK turn to it for passports and official documents.
Contact Details
| Address | 49-51 Portland Place, London W1B 1JL, United Kingdom |
| Telephone | +44 20 7299 4049 |
| adminoffice_uk@mfa.gov.cn | |
| Website | website no longer available (checked October 2026) |
| Head of Mission | Zheng Zeguang, Ambassador |
| National Day | 1 October |
Consular Section
| Address | 31 Portland Place W1B 1QD |
| Telephone | +44 20 7299 8439 |
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 09:00 - 12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 09:00 - 12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00 - 12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00 - 12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00 - 12:30 / 14:00 - 17:00 |
Opening hours as published in the FCDO London Diplomatic List (October 2026). Please confirm before your visit, especially on UK bank holidays and Chinese public holidays.
Location of the Embassy
Before your visit
The consular section has its own address: 31 Portland Place W1B 1QD.
The embassy and its network in the UK
According to the London Diplomatic List, China is represented by Ambassador Zheng Zeguang (since 6 June 2021). 150 diplomats and attachés are registered with the FCDO for this embassy. China also has career consular offices in Belfast, Edinburgh and Manchester.
Consular services
Depending on where you live, consular matters may also be handled by: Consulate General Edinburgh (Scotland); Consulate General Manchester; Consulate General Belfast (Northern Ireland).
Documents checklist
What Chinese citizens usually need to bring for the most common requests, based on official Chinese government information:
Renewing a Chinese passport abroad
- Apply online through the “China Consular” (中国领事) app, then follow the instructions for mailing or for an in-person visit to give fingerprints
- Apply to the Chinese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence, from within that country
- Scan of your passport’s personal data page (and of any endorsement pages)
- A recent front-facing photo with white background, taken within the last six months
- Proof of residence in the consular district may be requested (e.g. driving licence, utility or bank statement)
- Minors under 16: the guardian’s passport and proof of guardianship
Sources: Embassy of the People’s Republic of China – passport and travel document applications (official instructions) (checked October 2026). Requirements and fees can change and individual posts may ask for more – confirm the current list with the embassy before your visit.
Travelling from the UK to China
British citizens do not need a visa for short tourist stays in China (up to 30 days); a valid passport is required. The FCDO publishes the current entry rules in its foreign travel advice; check it before booking.
Other consulates and embassies in the UK
184 other countries are represented in the UK, among them: Colombia (embassy), Costa Rica (embassy), Croatia (embassy), Cuba (embassy), Cyprus (high commission), Czech Republic (embassy), Côte d’Ivoire (embassy), Democratic Republic of the Congo (embassy), Denmark (embassy), Djibouti (embassy), Dominica (high commission), Dominican Republic (embassy), Ecuador (embassy), Egypt (embassy), El Salvador (embassy), Equatorial Guinea (embassy), Eritrea (embassy), Estonia (embassy), Eswatini (high commission), Republic of the Congo (embassy). The full list of all 185 missions is on the overview page for the United Kingdom.
Closing days
Like most offices in the UK, the embassy closes on UK bank holidays and on China’s national day (1 October).
Emergency assistance
Consular staff can help with lost passports, arrests and serious accidents, but cannot cover costs or interfere with UK authorities. In the UK, the emergency number is 999 (or 112).
Diplomatic missions of China in the United Kingdom
China in the United Kingdom
Measured in a straight line from London, the nearest other Chinese office is the Consulate General in Manchester (about 260 km). Distances in brackets are straight-line distances from London.
- London – Embassy of China (this page)
- Belfast (520 km) – Consulate General
- Edinburgh (530 km) – Consulate General
- Manchester (260 km) – Consulate General
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Details checked on 10 October 2026. Sources: UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – London Diplomatic List (October 2026), UK government foreign travel advice – entry requirements for China, website no longer available (checked October 2026). Rules and opening hours can change. Confirm with the embassy before your visit.
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