Breaking Update: China to Offer 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens

On 29 January 2026, the UK government announced that China has agreed to relax visa requirements for British citizens, allowing visa-free travel for stays of up to 30 days. The change is expected to cover common short-stay purposes such as tourism and business visits, making last-minute trips and short itineraries significantly easier for UK travelers. (Reuters)

What this means in practice

If you hold a UK passport, you may be able to enter China without a visa for trips under 30 days, subject to final operational details at ports of entry. Reports indicate the policy was announced as part of a broader package aimed at improving bilateral cooperation and facilitating travel between the two countries. (Reuters)

What to prepare (even when visa-free)

Visa-free entry does not mean “no checks.” Airlines and border authorities may still ask for standard supporting documents. Travelers should be ready to show:

• A return/onward ticket (and a clear itinerary)

• Hotel bookings or an invitation letter (especially for business visits)

• Basic trip details (cities, dates, contacts)