British travellers have just received welcome news that could transform holiday planning for 2026. China has announced that UK passport holders can now enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, bringing Britain in line with dozens of other countries already enjoying this privilege.
The announcement came following a meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Until now, the UK was the only major European economy excluded from China’s expanding visa-free travel programme, which already included France, Germany, Italy and most other EU nations.
What the new rules mean for British tourists
Under the new arrangement, UK citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China without applying for a visa in advance, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. The policy covers tourism, business trips, family visits and transit purposes.
This removes what many travellers considered a significant barrier. Previously, British visitors had to submit lengthy visa applications, attend appointments at visa centres, and pay fees that could exceed £150 for a standard tourist visa.
Important details before you book
While the news simplifies travel considerably, there are still requirements to keep in mind:
Your passport must have at least six months validity remaining from your arrival date in China, plus two blank pages for entry stamps. Travellers planning to stay longer than 30 days, or those visiting for work or study purposes, will still need to apply for the appropriate visa.
The policy applies to mainland China only. Separate arrangements exist for Hong Kong and Macau, where British citizens can already visit without a visa for up to 180 days and 90 days respectively.
Why the change happened now
China has been steadily expanding visa-free access as part of efforts to revive its tourism industry following the pandemic. More than 20 million foreign visitors entered China without a visa in 2024, more than double the previous year, according to official figures.
The UK’s inclusion follows months of diplomatic discussions and comes as both countries seek to strengthen trade and cultural ties. Travel industry representatives have welcomed the move, predicting increased bookings for destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai and the Great Wall.
When the policy takes effect
The visa-free arrangement is expected to come into force shortly, though travellers should confirm the exact start date with the Chinese Embassy before making bookings. The policy is initially set to run until December 2026, with the possibility of extension based on how the arrangement develops.
For British travellers who have long considered China too complicated to visit, this change removes one of the biggest obstacles and opens up a destination that many have only dreamed of exploring.
