Brits planning a trip to China can now enter the destination visa-free, and the UK Foreign Office has updated its guidance on the situation.
Previously, British travellers had to apply for a visa before they would be allowed to enter China.
But Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently struck a deal with the country during his visit to Beijing last month.
From today, February 17, Brits can enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days if visiting for business, tourism, to see family and friends or transit.
The new process is initially in place until December 31, 2026.
The Foreign Office states, ‘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.
‘If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.’
UK travellers can now enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days if visiting for business, tourism, to see family and friends or transit
The regulations vary however and the guidance explains, ‘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.’
Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu’s Tours, recently told the Daily Mail the visa-free travel agreement was a ‘historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005’.
She urged British travellers to ‘take the opportunity’ and travel to China.
The move brings Britain in line with around 50 other countries who can visit China visa-free, such as France and Germany.
The new process is initially in place until December 31, 2026 and the UK Foreign Office has recently updated its guidance on visiting China
Earlier this week, China’s foreign ministry shared the update on its site.
It said: ‘To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK.
‘Ordinary passport holders from the two countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes.
‘The policy will be effective until December 31, 2026.’
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Foreign Office updates travel advice for China as Brits allowed to visit visa-free
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