Latest Update —
The China-Malaysia mutual visa exemption agreement officially took effect on July 17!
The Consular Affairs website released the "List of China’s Mutual Visa Exemption Agreements" on July 15, covering 158 countries.
Since late 2023, China has continuously optimized its visa-free policies, implementing unilateral visa exemptions for 38 countries and mutual visa exemption arrangements with 26 nations.
In December 2024, the transit visa-free stay period was extended to 240 hours, with eligible ports increasing to 60 across 24 provinces.
In June this year, the 240-hour transit visa-free policy expanded to 55 countries:
40 European nations: EU members (UK, France, Germany, Russia, etc.) plus Norway, Switzerland
6 American nations: US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, etc.
2 Oceanian nations: Australia, New Zealand
7 Asian nations: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, etc.
To date, China’s unilateral visa-free countries total 47, with transit visa-free countries reaching 55.
Multiple nations—including European powers like France, Germany, Italy, and Spain—have joined China’s 30-day visa-free program. Notably, the UK remains absent from this list.
Key data point:
In the first half of this year, cross-border trips hit 333 million, with visa-free entries by foreigners surging 53.9% YoY.
The boom in international travel and trade explains the UK’s growing urgency!
Neil Chernoff, British Airways’ Chief Planning and Strategy Officer, stated in Shanghai: "We genuinely hope the UK joins China’s 30-day visa-free program. This would boost British tourism to China and restore direct routes like Beijing."
Although UK passport holders became eligible for China’s 144-hour (extended to 240h) transit visa waiver last year—allowing up to 10 days’ stay—it requires transit via a third country (e.g., London→Shanghai→Tokyo qualifies; direct flights do not).
Potential impacts if the UK joins the 30-day visa-free program:
Simplified travel: UK visitors to China avoid third-country transit hassles
Increased two-way traffic: Likely rise in Chinese tourists visiting the UK
Aviation recovery: Higher flight occupancy could revive/add direct China-UK routes, boosting airline revenues
Tourism economy growth: Enhanced convenience drives spending (accommodation, dining, shopping) in both countries, benefiting UK businesses
Trade advantages for the UK:
Easier entry enables British businesspeople to flexibly arrange China trips for market surveys and negotiations, fostering bilateral cooperation.
From China’s evolving visa policies to the UK’s eagerness to deepen tourism and trade ties—
As China-UK exchanges grow smoother, London’s role as a key hub will further amplify the value of its premium resources.
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