Visas simplified to attract more Chinese tourists
Chinese nationals visiting the European Union will not need to submit separate visa applications for Britain, if they book with selected travel agents.
Currently, visitors can apply for a single visa to visit much of Europe, but a separate one is required to travel to the UK.
Chancellor George Osborne made the announcement during a week long trade visit to China, where a Chinese firm was announced as a substantial investor in Britain’s first Airport City.
It is thought that extra paperwork is deterring many Chinese visitors from including the UK in a trip to Europe.
A mobile visa scheme which already operates in Beijing and Shanghai will be expanded where officials go out to the applicants to collect their paperwork and biometric data.
According to the government, last year 210,000 visas were issue to Chinese nationals and they contributed around £300m to the economy.
"These changes will streamline and simplify the visa application process for Chinese visitors, while ensuring the system is strong and secure," said Mr Osborne.
Diane
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