UK business travel to China set to become easier with new visa free access

British citizens will soon be able to enter China for up to 30 days without a visa, following confirmation from the UK government after discussions in Beijing. The change is designed to strengthen business links and aligns the UK with more than 50 countries that already enjoy similar access.

Travel between the UK and China has been recovering steadily over the past two years due to restored flight routes and growing commercial activity. This new policy removes one of the most time consuming parts of preparing for a China trip, particularly the administrative workload and waiting time associated with short term visa applications.

The update applies to short business visits, leisure and transit and allows eligible travellers to enter China without completing the traditional visa process, though they will still need to provide standard information such as Advance Passenger Information and proof of accommodation if requested. Airlines have already seen increases in booking activity following the announcement.

This change is especially relevant for Travel Places clients. Whether you are travelling to China for a motorsport event, or supporting a production, many of these trips involve tight turnarounds and complex planning requirements. The removal of visa processing reduces pressure during busy travel periods and makes it easier to react to last minute changes in schedules or staffing.

While the government has not yet confirmed the exact rollout date, it is clear that short term business travel between the UK and China is being simplified. We will continue to monitor updates.

If you need support with upcoming travel to China, our team is ready to help you plan confidently under the new requirements, please get in touch.