Visa-free China entry for Brits could come into effect as early as Monday, says top travel agent
China has recently agreed visa-free entry for Brits travelling to the country, and a top travel agent has shared when it could happen.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer secured the deal during his visit to Beijing yesterday, January 29.
Downing Street announced that Brits visiting China for less than 30 days will no longer need to acquire a visa.
This will be the case for both tourists and those travelling for business.
A start date for the new entry rules is yet to be confirmed, but Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu's Tours, told The Independent it could be just days away.
'Hopefully, from next Monday, British travellers will be able to go to China visa free,' she explained.
'We predict that. However, the official line is that the Chinese government needs to announce it.'
Wendy described it as a 'historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005'.
Downing Street announced that Brits visiting China for less than 30 days will no longer need to acquire a visa
She urged British travellers to 'take the opportunity' and travel to China.
The move will bring Britain in line with around 50 other countries who can visit China visa-free, such as France and Germany.
At the moment, the UK Foreign Office website states, 'You must have a visa to visit mainland China.'
A standard visa for Brits to visit China currently costs around £130.
The entry requirements vary depending on where in China you intend to travel, for example, those going to Hainan can enter without a visa 'if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point,' according to the UK Government.
'Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information,' it adds.
'Depending on your travel plans, visa free transit options are available, including staying in China for up to 10 days.
'Read the Chinese Embassy’s visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website for further information,' the website continues.
A start date for the new entry rules is yet to be confirmed, but top travel agent Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu's Tours, told The Independent it could be just days away
Visa requirements vary for Hong Kong and Macao too.
Brits planning to visit China at the moment should have a passport with an expiry date at least six months after they arrive at their destination.
It should also have two blank pages free for stamping and visas.
It comes after China dropped from Australia's second-biggest source of inbound tourists to its third in November, in line with a worrying trend of Chinese tourism dropping.
