From 17 February 2026, British passport holders can visit mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa.
For anyone who has applied for a Chinese visa before, this represents a significant change.
“The previous process involved detailed application forms, biometric appointments at visa centres, supporting documentation and fees. We have supported many clients through it over the years and understand how time consuming it could be. While it is always the traveller’s responsibility to ensure they have the correct documentation, we guide our clients through the process and know how involved it has been. Removing that requirement makes China far more accessible.”
Gilly
What the New Policy Allows
UK passport holders can now enter mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa for tourism, business meetings, visiting friends or family, exchanges or transit. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the departure date from China. Travellers may be asked to show onward or return flights, accommodation details and evidence of sufficient funds on arrival.
This applies to mainland China only. Entry requirements for Hong Kong and Macau remain separate. Longer stays, paid work, journalism and long-term study will still require a visa.
For years, China has felt like a destination that required early commitment because of the administrative process. With visa-free access now in place, planning becomes much more straightforward.
A cultural visit to Beijing, a business trip to Shanghai, walking the Great Wall of China, exploring the Forbidden City or seeing the Terracotta Army no longer requires weeks of visa preparation before departure.
A health declaration is still required before travel, and comprehensive travel insurance remains essential. If a stay exceeds 30 days or falls outside the permitted purposes, the standard visa process will still apply.
This development follows the discussions during the Prime Minister’s visit on 29 January and reflects an improvement in the practical travel relationship between the UK and China.
For travellers who have previously been deterred by the visa process, China is now considerably easier to consider. If it has been on your list for some time, this may be the right moment to look at it again. You can find out more about China here.
As always, we will ensure every element is handled properly, from documentation guidance to on-the-ground arrangements, so the focus remains on the experience itself.
There’s no better time to start thinking about a holiday to China! If you’re interested, get in touch to start planning today. There’s no pressure to book immediately, just a friendly, no-obligation conversation. Give us a call on 01902 288104, send us a message, or book a holiday planning meeting.