UK PM Starmer announced China is considering visa-free entry for British tourists and business visitors for up to 30 days, aligning the UK with many European nations already enjoying this policy. The move aims to boost people-to-people exchanges and services trade.
UK Citizens May Soon Get Visa-Free Travel to China
China is actively considering including the United Kingdom in its growing list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to Beijing.
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The proposal would allow UK citizens to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for business or tourism purposes. Starmer described the move as "under discussion" following his meeting with President Xi Jinping, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit to China since 2018.
According to the UK side, discussions also included the possibility of a bilateral services agreement, with a feasibility study expected. The UK government acknowledged China's ongoing efforts to expand people-to-people exchanges and further streamline entry procedures.
In recent years, China has steadily expanded its visa-free entry policy, covering close to 50 countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The policy typically allows travelers to stay for up to 30 days without a visa, fostering deeper tourism, business, and cultural ties.
If implemented, the UK would be granted the same visa-free convenience as many of its European peers.
The announcement on visas was welcomed by HSBC, KPMG and Standard Chartered.
Business Secretary Peter Kyle said: "There are huge growth opportunities for services, currently underweighted in our exports to China, from the legal and financial sectors to health and education.
"That's why we are excited to be joined on this visit by top UK enterprises, as well as fast emerging ones and leading figures from across our cultural and service sectors, to reinforce cooperation, showcase our strengths, and build new business opportunities for Britain."
Source: Sky News
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