China specialists expect visa relaxation to ‘unlock pent-up demand’

　　The UK government has announced that China is relaxing visa rules for British citizens – ending the visa requirement for travel under 30 days.

　　The announcement said the move will bring the UK into line with 50 other countries – including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan – and mean people visiting China on business or holiday will be able to visit visa-free.

　　Operators offering holidays to China welcomed the news and expect more enquiries as a result.

　　Gary King, head of trade sales at China specialist operator Wendy Wu Tours, said: “This is a hugely positive moment for China travel and for traveller confidence.

　　“Removing the visa requirement takes away one of the biggest hurdles people have been grappling with and makes China feel far more straightforward and approachable as a destination.

　　“We expect this to unlock pent-up demand from travellers who have been keen to visit but were waiting for travel to feel simpler again.

　　“China offers an extraordinary depth of culture, history and experiences, and this move makes it easier than ever to explore.”

　　Louisa Trickett, product manager for China at Audley Travel, said: “This is great news for UK clients who want to travel to China.

　　“The visa process could only be started three months before travel, and as the majority of our clients book far earlier than that, it resulted in uncertainty for them in the period between booking and securing their visa.

　　“The process was also time-consuming, with two visits in person to the visa centre in London required to drop off and collect passports.

　　“We expect to see enquiries rise from those who have been intrigued by China and the incredible experiences it offers, but were put off by the visa application.”

　　News of the visa-free arrangement came as part of the visit to Beijing by prime minister Keir Starmer.

　　The UK and China have also agreed to conduct a ‘feasibility study’ to explore whether to enter negotiations towards a bilateral services agreement.

　　If agreed, this would establish clear and legally binding rules for UK firms doing business in China.

　　Starmer said: “As one of the world’s economic powerhouses, businesses have been crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China.

　　“We’ll make it easier for them to do so – including via relaxed visa rules for short-term travel – supporting them to expand abroad, all while boosting growth and jobs at home.”

　　Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of The Advantage Travel Partnership, said: “We warmly welcome China’s decision to grant British citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days.

　　“Travel between the UK and China has seen a robust resurgence over the last two years, fuelled by restored flight connectivity and strengthening commercial ties.

　　“Today’s announcement is a significant milestone that will undoubtedly accelerate this momentum across both leisure and business travel.”

　　Robin Ball, Bamboo Travel director, commented: “This is fabulous news for UK tour operators that sell holidays to China.  

　　“We had already predicted that 2026 would be a great year to visit China, now that the country is fully reopened and welcoming international visitors with open arms, and the expanded high-speed rail network makes travelling easier than ever.

　　“There is so much to discover in this fascinating destination.”

　　Fred Fishlock, UK country head at online travel booking platform Trip.com, said: “The announcement of visa-free travel for UK travellers to China is a very positive step.

　　“Visa-free travel has consistently proven to be one of the strongest catalysts for demand, particularly for long-haul routes and first-time travellers.

　　“We saw this clearly after China’s late-2023 visa-free policy announcement for several European countries.”