Could Brits soon get visa-free travel to China?

Since the end of last year, China has been gradually introducing visa exemptions for countries across Europe with the hope of reviving its appeal to travellers post-Covid. Tourists from places like Ireland, Italy, Poland and Austria gained unrestricted access to China and now, five more nations have been added to the list. 

Unfortunately, the UK isn’t one of them. British passport holders will still have to pay at least £151 for a visa if they wish to travel to the east Asian country. But Brits eventually getting visa-free privileges still isn’t out of the question, as China hasn’t suggested that the current list is final.

China already gets a lot of tourism from UK travellers. According to data from Trip.com, the UK was among the top 10 sources of inbound travellers to China in 2023. 

The countries included in the most recent update to the list are Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, Slovenia and Portugal. The latest exemptions apply from October 15, 2024 until December 31, 2025. Their inclusion brings the total number of countries enjoying visa-free travel to China up to 20. 

Jet-setting with Time Out

Although we still need a visa for China, the UK currently enjoys visa-free access to 190 countries, making it the fourth most powerful passport in the world. Make the most of it by checking out our favourite underrated travel destinations, our top recommended cities for foodies, the most beautiful places in Europe and advice from locals on how to be better tourist wherever you go.

Did you see that this colourful coastal city has been crowned the UK’s street art capital? 

Plus: Jet2 is launching five new holiday routes from the ‘UK’s best airport’. 

Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out UK newsletter for the latest UK news and the best stuff happening across the country.