The UK Foreign Office has issued fresh guidance to Britons travelling to China after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer struck a deal with Beijing to allow visa-free access to the country.
Following Sir Keir’s official visit last month – the first of any Prime Minister since Theresa May in 2018 – rules for tourists entering the country have now been relaxed.
Despite critics warning Sir Keir’s visit overlooked human rights and national security concerns, the Prime Minister was adamant the relaxed rules would make it easier for businesses to expand to China.
China’s foreign ministry said the scheme would “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries”.
However, despite the pledge to relax the rules, an end date for the policy has already been announced, giving Britons just months to take advantage of the deal.
Issuing fresh guidance today, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) said: “Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.
“If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.
“If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.
Britons could be refused entry if you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access
|
GETTY
“If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.
“You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information.
“Depending on your travel plans, visa free transit options are available, including staying in China for up to 10 days.
“Read the Chinese Embassy’s visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website for further information.
“Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different.”
Sir Keir agreed the visa free deal during a visit to China last month
|
PA
Visa free travel for tourists will come into force from February 17, according to the FCDO guidance.
For Britons who have already obtained a tourist visa, it is not possible to refund the £130 cost as visa fees and service fees are non-refundable and non-transferable once submitted to the embassy, according to the Chinese Visa Application Service.
Canadian passport holders will also be able to benefit from the visa free travel deal.
The new rules will bring the UK and Canada in line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan, which are already allowed to visit China visa free for tourism purposes.
Under current guidance, Britons have until the end of the year to make use of the visa free travel
|
PA
According to official data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), hundreds of thousands of Britons could benefit from the changes.
Around 620,000 Britons travelled to China in 2024, according to the ONS.
The FCDO advises Britons to be aware of political and cultural sensitivities despite the country being open to visitors.
It warns: “The Chinese authorities enforce public order strictly, and you may face arrest, detention and deportation.”
It added: “You may risk becoming a target when there is an anti-foreign feeling or attitude in China.”
