United Kingdom · study · guide
UK ADS Tour Group Visa: Requirements and Process
This visa is for Chinese citizens visiting the UK as part of an approved tour group.
MIGRAGENT wrote this from 10 requirements on the official page, each checked against the government's own wording. Updated 2026-10-02. Source: https://www.gov.uk/ads-visa
Who can apply
You can apply for this visa if you are a Chinese citizen. Your tour must be organized by an approved destination status (ADS) licensed Chinese tour operator. You must enter the UK as part of a tour group of at least 5 people. You must remain with this group for your entire visit.[1][2][3]
Documents you must provide
You need to give some documents to your travel agent before your appointment date. You must provide your current travel document or passport. You must also provide your previous passports or travel documents. Finally, you must provide evidence of your current employment or studies.[4][5][6]
How to apply and fees
You must complete the ADS visitor application form online to apply. You must pay the visa fee directly to your travel agent. You also need to have your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa application centre appointment.[7][8][9]
Leaving the UK
You must leave the UK once your ADS visa expires.[10]
Checklist
- Be a Chinese citizen[1]
- Book a tour with an approved ADS licensed Chinese tour operator[2]
- Travel in a group of at least 5 people and stay with them[3]
- Complete the online ADS visitor application form[7]
- Provide your current passport or travel document to your agent before your appointment[4]
- Provide your previous passports or travel documents to your agent before your appointment[5]
- Provide proof of your current job or studies to your agent before your appointment[6]
- Pay the visa fee directly to your travel agent[8]
- Get your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa application centre[9]
- Leave the UK when your visa expires[10]
Questions people ask
Who can apply for a UK ADS visa?
You can apply if you are a Chinese citizen. Your tour must be organized by an approved ADS licensed Chinese tour operator.[1][2]
Can I travel alone on this visa?
No. You must enter the UK as part of a tour group of at least 5 people and stay with them for your entire visit.[3]
How do I apply for the ADS visa?
You must complete the ADS visitor application form online.[7]
Who do I pay the visa fee to?
You must pay the visa fee directly to your travel agent.[8]
What documents do I need to give my agent?
You must provide your current passport, previous passports, and evidence of your current employment or studies before your appointment date.[4][5][6]
Do I need to go to a visa appointment?
Yes. You must have your fingerprints and photo taken at the visa application centre appointment.[9]
When do I have to leave the UK?
You must leave the UK once your ADS visa expires.[10]
This explains what one official page says. It is not legal advice, and the page itself is the authority. Rules change; the wire reports it when they do.