China Agrees to Visa-Free Travel for British Tourists After Starmer’s Visit

February 02, 2026

China has agreed to let British citizens travel to the country without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Officials confirmed this after diplomatic talks between UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

This change is the first significant easing of travel restrictions for UK visitors in decades. Downing Street announced it, and it is expected to apply to both tourists and short-term business travellers. Under the agreement, British passport holders can enter mainland China and stay visa-free for up to 30 days. This aligns the UK with over 50 other countries, including France, Germany, and Japan.

Sir Keir's three-day trip to China was the first by a British prime minister in eight years. The visit aimed to improve relations between the two countries. These relations have been strained recently because of geopolitical tensions and trade disputes. During their discussions, the leaders also talked about economic cooperation, trade in services, and other areas of shared interest.

Downing Street called the visa-free arrangement a way to improve connections between people. This will make it easier for British families, tourists, and business visitors to plan trips without the cost and hassle of a regular visa application process. Officials say this change could increase travel between the two countries and help strengthen cultural and economic ties.

The new visa-free policy is said to be part of wider discussions on trade, investment, and cooperation in areas like finance, education, and professional services. Chinese authorities have also announced plans to improve cooperation on issues such as people-smuggling and law enforcement, based on agreements made during the visit.