UK tour operators hail deal on China visa-free travel
UK travel firms have welcomed an agreement to allow visa-free travel to China.
It comes after PM Keir Starmer’s visit to Beijing, with tour operators predicting it will spark a surge in travel to the far east.
No date has been disclosed for when it will be come effective but an announcement may come this week.
Currently Brits need to visit a UK based visa office for biometrics and pay at least £130 for a visa.
Until now, the UK has been left behind with nationals of more than 50 other countries getting access visa-free.
These include nations such as France, Germany and Australia.
There could be a decision announced today.
“Hopefully, from Monday, British travellers will be able to go to China visa-free. We predict that. However, the official line is that the Chinese government needs to announce it,” said Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu Tours.
“This is the historic moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005. When you go to China, you have to get a visa – and that is so much work. But now it will be no barrier.”
It could also lead to increase in direct UK-China flights over time.
“We expect to see enquiries rise from those who have been intrigued by China but were put off by the visa application,” said Louisa Trickett, product manager for China at operator Audley Travel.
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