British travellers planning trips to China can now leave the visa paperwork behind. In an update posted on Sky News’ live politics feed on 1 February 2026, the UK government confirmed that China has added the United Kingdom to its growing list of countries whose citizens may enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The move was finalised during Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s five-day visit to Beijing last week and comes into force immediately.(news.sky.com)
The concession is the first time in more than two decades that Beijing has waived visa requirements for Britons. It signals a thaw in relations that had cooled over technology-security concerns and sanctions spats. Diplomats on both sides described the visa waiver as a “confidence-building measure” designed to reboot trade and tourism after the pandemic and amid slowing global growth. Chinese visitor numbers to the UK have already returned to 80 % of 2019 levels; officials believe reciprocal growth could now follow for outbound UK travel to China, especially in the SME export and education sectors.
Practically, the scheme covers ordinary passport holders entering for tourism, business meetings, family visits or transit. Travellers must still complete China’s Advance Passenger Information (API) form and may be asked to show a return ticket and proof of accommodation. Those intending to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days must apply for the appropriate visa in advance. UK business-travel managers should review insurers’ China country clauses and ensure duty-of-care briefings reflect local Covid-testing and data-privacy rules that remain in place.
![China Confirms 30-Day Visa-Free Access for British Citizens]()
For anyone who does need a longer-term permit—such as a student visa, employment authorisation or multiple-entry business visa—VisaHQ can take the administrative load off your shoulders. The agency’s UK portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) offers up-to-date guidance, document checks and expedited submission services, helping travellers navigate Chinese consular requirements quickly and accurately.
Airlines have responded quickly. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said bookings for Shanghai and Beijing routes spiked 18 % and 22 % respectively within hours of the announcement. Meanwhile, travel-risk consultants warn that while entry has been simplified, exit controls and device inspections at some airports persist, so employees should travel with ‘clean’ laptops and avoid carrying sensitive data.
For mobility and HR teams, the headline benefit is the removal of an administrative bottleneck that often added two to four weeks—and roughly £150 in fees—to trip planning. Companies sending staff on short-notice troubleshooting visits or trade-show attendance can now do so far more nimbly. If the pilot proves successful, observers expect London and Beijing to explore mutual expansion of their two-year multi-entry business-visa arrangement next.
Ultimately, visa-free entry will test whether Britain’s pent-up China demand can translate into sustained commercial engagement. Early indicators—surging flight searches, hotel enquiries and cross-border e-commerce activity—suggest the travel corridor could once again become a core plank of UK export strategy.
The concession is the first time in more than two decades that Beijing has waived visa requirements for Britons. It signals a thaw in relations that had cooled over technology-security concerns and sanctions spats. Diplomats on both sides described the visa waiver as a “confidence-building measure” designed to reboot trade and tourism after the pandemic and amid slowing global growth. Chinese visitor numbers to the UK have already returned to 80 % of 2019 levels; officials believe reciprocal growth could now follow for outbound UK travel to China, especially in the SME export and education sectors.
Practically, the scheme covers ordinary passport holders entering for tourism, business meetings, family visits or transit. Travellers must still complete China’s Advance Passenger Information (API) form and may be asked to show a return ticket and proof of accommodation. Those intending to work, study, or stay longer than 30 days must apply for the appropriate visa in advance. UK business-travel managers should review insurers’ China country clauses and ensure duty-of-care briefings reflect local Covid-testing and data-privacy rules that remain in place.
For anyone who does need a longer-term permit—such as a student visa, employment authorisation or multiple-entry business visa—VisaHQ can take the administrative load off your shoulders. The agency’s UK portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-kingdom/) offers up-to-date guidance, document checks and expedited submission services, helping travellers navigate Chinese consular requirements quickly and accurately.
Airlines have responded quickly. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic said bookings for Shanghai and Beijing routes spiked 18 % and 22 % respectively within hours of the announcement. Meanwhile, travel-risk consultants warn that while entry has been simplified, exit controls and device inspections at some airports persist, so employees should travel with ‘clean’ laptops and avoid carrying sensitive data.
For mobility and HR teams, the headline benefit is the removal of an administrative bottleneck that often added two to four weeks—and roughly £150 in fees—to trip planning. Companies sending staff on short-notice troubleshooting visits or trade-show attendance can now do so far more nimbly. If the pilot proves successful, observers expect London and Beijing to explore mutual expansion of their two-year multi-entry business-visa arrangement next.
Ultimately, visa-free entry will test whether Britain’s pent-up China demand can translate into sustained commercial engagement. Early indicators—surging flight searches, hotel enquiries and cross-border e-commerce activity—suggest the travel corridor could once again become a core plank of UK export strategy.
