Chinese visitors to the UK can enjoy relaxed visa regulations that would eliminate a great deal of paperwork. Chancellor George Osborne announced changes to Chinese visitor and business visas during a recent trade trip to Beijing.
The new system will allow Chinese citizens travelling in the EU to bypass Britain’s previous visa regulations. Chinese travellers in the EU will now receive a valid visa automatically, provided they book using a network of approved travel agents.
Mr Osborne’s recent trip to China was dedicated to changing Britain’s attitudes to trading with the giant East Asian economy. He told students in Beijing that the visit was about ‘deepening the friendship’ between the two countries.
Chinese companies have invested heavily in UK industry in recent years, with a large firm in China buying a 20 per cent stake in a new Manchester development. Chinese company Wanda also recently acquired British yacht manufacturer Sunseeker.
Under the current rules, Chinese citizens can travel throughout most of Europe on a single visa, but need a separate travel document to enter the UK. Experts think that many Chinese visitors are deterred from visiting the UK due to the more extensive visa requirements.
Chinese visitors can now apply for a visa using the UK’s 24-hour service, which will be launched in Chinese cities next summer. Select travel agents will now be able to issue visas for travel both within Europe and in the UK to Chinese applicants.
A booming travel industry has made China one of the top targets for international destinations. In the last year, over 210,000 Chinese visitors travelled to the UK and spent over £300 million during their stay. Travel agents and hotels are anticipating a significant increase in business following the introduction of the new visa rules.
