China Opens the Gates: Visa-Free Entry Now Available for UK Travellers and Nearly 50 Nations

China has removed the visa barrier for British travellers. Here's what you need to know before you book.

For British travellers, visiting China has historically meant navigating a full visa application process — paperwork, appointments, waiting times. That has now changed. As of 17 February 2026, holders of ordinary UK passports can enter mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa, following a landmark expansion of Beijing's unilateral visa-free entry scheme.

The move, confirmed by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was announced in the context of a high-level diplomatic meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Canada was added simultaneously, bringing the total number of countries under China's unilateral visa-free policy to 48. When combined with over 30 nations that hold mutual visa exemption agreements with China, the total number of countries now enjoying some form of visa-free access stands at 79.

The scale of China's opening is striking. When the country fully reopened its borders in late 2023, just 15 nations held unilateral visa-free access. Since then, Beijing has steadily expanded the programme across Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Gulf. Most major EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are among the countries already covered. Sweden was added in November 2025, followed by Canada and the United Kingdom in February 2026.

The policy allows ordinary passport holders from eligible countries to enter China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit. It is currently valid until 31 December 2026, after which Chinese authorities will decide whether to maintain, adjust, or renew it.​​​​​​​

British passport holders can now enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The scheme covers tourism, business, family visits, and transit, but does not extend to employment or study, for which a full visa remains required. A passport validity of at least three months from the date of entry is recommended.

For those connecting through China to a third country, the 240-hour (ten-day) visa-free transit policy is available to citizens of 54 countries, including the UK. This allows eligible travellers to explore cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou during a layover, across 60 designated ports in 24 provinces.​​​​​​​

In March 2026, China's Ministry of Commerce — alongside eight other government departments — confirmed plans to further expand the visa-free country list and improve transit arrangements. Authorities also indicated plans to introduce electronic visas and online application systems to reduce processing times further.

The pattern of expansion has moved in stages — Europe first, then Asia-Pacific, Latin America, the Gulf, and now Canada and the UK. Industry observers expect additional markets to be named before the year's end, though no specific countries have been confirmed.​​​​​​​

All visa policies are subject to change. Travellers are advised to verify current entry requirements with the Chinese Embassy in London or through China's National Immigration Administration before booking.