British? You Can Now Travel to China Visa-Free

Last updated: 15th February, 2026 – Article updated to reflect official confirmation from the Chinese government that visa free travel to China is available to British travellers from 17th February.

China to Allow Visa-Free Entry for British Travellers

15th February - It has been confirmed today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs People's Republic of China that the UK from 17th February until 31st December, 2026 will no longer need a visa for 30 day travel.

This follows a recent meeting between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping with the intention of resettingUK-China relations.

After the meeting, the Chinese government’s official readout confirmed they will "actively consider" implementing a unilateral visa-free policy for the UK but until today this was not confirmed officially by them.

This follows a similar move for Canada earlier this month, after Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a visa-free agreement during his own visit to Beijing, a clear signal that China is opening its doors to boost tourism and strengthen global ties.

The read out from official Chinese sources has been posted to the government website and confirms "China is actively considering granting unilateral visa waiver to British people, Xi said." https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202601/29/content_WS697adb81c6d00ca5f9a08d1f.html

Brits to get visa free travel to China

Industry experts believe the official green light is imminent. Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours, featured in a recent Independent travel video, suggested that based on previous rollouts with other nations, a formal confirmation from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs could arrive as early as Monday.

China to launch visa-free travel for UK visitors 'in days'

The Potential Impact of Visa-Free for British Travellers

For years, British travellers have faced a high barrier to entry compared to their European and worldwide counterparts, many of whom already enjoy 30-day visa-free access. A change would mean the scrapping of the current £151 standard visa cost, removal of the need for biometric appointments at visa centres, and subsequently allowing for more spontaneous travel of up to 30 days.

Current Status for Travellers from the UK

While the "active consideration" is a massive step forward, travellers should note that the policy is not yet in effect. As of today, British citizens can still utilise the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit if they are flying through China to a third country, or the specific 30-day visa-free scheme for Hainan Island. You can read more about the Transit Visa here.

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View the full list of current countries visa-free for China