China has officially announced a 30-day visa-free entry policy for UK citizens, marking a major shift in its border and travel rules for British passport holders. The decision was confirmed on 31 January 2026 following high-level talks between President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Beijing.
Once the policy is formally gazette, expected before the summer travel season—holders of standard British passports will be able to enter mainland China without obtaining a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days. The move significantly reduces travel costs, administrative hurdles, and planning time for UK travellers.
What the 30-Day Visa-Free Entry Means for UK Citizens
Under the new policy, UK nationals may enter China visa-free for the following purposes:
- Tourism and leisure travel
- Short-term business meetings and conferences
- Family and social visits
- Transit through China
Each visit must be limited to 30 days, and travellers must comply with China’s 90-days-per-180-days rule. Visitors will be required to present proof of onward travel and accommodation upon arrival. Importantly, the exemption does not permit employment, paid services, or long-term assignments, which still require the appropriate work visa and permits.
Why This Change Matters
Until now, UK travellers were excluded from China’s earlier visa-waiver pilots extended to several European countries. British citizens were required to complete lengthy applications, attend biometric appointments, and pay visa fees of up to £151 for a single-entry visa.
The new visa-free regime removes these barriers, making China more accessible for Short-notice business trips, First-time leisure travellers, UK companies with frequent regional travel needs
For many travellers, this change alone represents a substantial saving in both time and cost.
Key Conditions Travellers Should Note
While the policy offers greater flexibility, travellers should remain aware of several conditions:
- The waiver applies only to UK passport holders; Chinese nationals still require visas for the UK.
- The policy can be amended or withdrawn by Chinese authorities at any time.
- Travellers in sensitive sectors such as media, defence, or NGO work may face additional screening.
- British–Irish dual nationals must enter using a UK passport to qualify.
Existing visas remain valid until their expiration, but new travellers are expected to benefit most from the exemption.
Final Thought
China’s decision to grant 30-day visa-free entry to UK citizens is a landmark development in international travel and mobility. By removing long-standing visa barriers, the policy opens the door to easier tourism, smoother business travel, and stronger people-to-people connections between the UK and China. For British travellers, it represents one of the most significant access improvements to China in recent years.
