China has officially confirmed that British holidaymakers will be able to travel to the country without a visa, with the new policy taking effect from tomorrow, February 17. This landmark agreement, secured by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during his recent visit to Beijing, marks a significant shift in travel regulations between the two nations.
Details of the Visa-Free Agreement
Under the new rules, UK nationals visiting mainland China for stays of up to 30 days will no longer need to obtain a visa. This applies to purposes including tourism, business, and visiting family and friends. The regulation is set to be initially in force until December 31, 2026, as confirmed by China's foreign ministry.
The ministry stated on its website: 'To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK.' It added that ordinary passport holders from these countries can enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
Industry Reaction and Travel Advice
Wendy Wu, founder of Wendy Wu's Tours, hailed the visa-free travel agreement as a 'historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005.' She urged British travellers to seize the opportunity and explore China, emphasising the benefits of easier access.
However, travellers should note that as of now, the UK Foreign Office website still advises that a visa is required for mainland China, stating: 'Visa-free travel to China, while announced, has not yet been implemented. Until confirmed, you must apply for a visa to enter China.' This discrepancy highlights the need for travellers to verify the latest updates before departure.
Context and Global Comparisons
This move aligns Britain with approximately 50 other countries that enjoy visa-free access to China, including European nations like France and Germany. It comes amid shifting tourism dynamics globally, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that China dropped from Australia's second-biggest source of inbound tourists to third place in November 2025. In that month, 74,500 short-term visitors came from China, compared to 80,090 from the UK and 127,820 from the US.
While this represents a significant increase from November 2023 (45,880 visitors) and November 2024 (55,800 visitors), it remains a drastic drop from pre-Covid levels. China has long been a key market for Australian tourism, making this shift noteworthy for industry observers.
The visa-free policy is expected to boost travel and economic ties between the UK and China, offering new opportunities for British tourists and businesses alike. As the implementation begins, travellers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels to ensure a smooth journey.
