China to Allow Visa-Free Travel for British Citizens for Up to 30 Days

China has agreed to allow British citizens to travel to the country for up to 30 days without a visa, marking a significant shift in travel rules between the two nations. The announcement follows Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, where he met President Xi Jinping the first visit by a British leader in eight years.
While no official start date has yet been confirmed, ministers say the visa-free arrangement is expected to come into force as soon as possible. The move has been welcomed by travellers and businesses, particularly as around 620,000 people travelled from the UK to China in 2024, many of whom could benefit from simpler entry rules.
However, critics have raised concerns over national security and China’s human rights record, with the policy likely to prompt further political debate despite its potential boost to tourism and trade.