China has agreed to allow some British nationals to visit visa-free for stays under 30 days, announced during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Beijing visit. Officials described the concession as a business-focused win that should help UK firms expand in China and support jobs. The two countries also agreed to a feasibility study on a potential bilateral services agreement, targeting healthcare, finance, legal services, education and skills. The UK currently exports £13 billion in services to China each year.
China Eases Short-Term Visa Rules for UK Visitors as Starmer Secures 'New Partnership'
Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a press conference at the 2026 UK-China Business Council held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, January 29, 2026. Carl Court/Pool via REUTERS
China on Thursday announced it will allow some British citizens to enter without a visa for trips shorter than 30 days, a concession revealed during Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing. The move was presented by the UK as an immediate, business-focused win following talks with President Xi Jinping as part of what Britain called a "new partnership."
Mr. Starmer said the visa relaxation — aimed at facilitating business travel and closer commercial ties — should make it easier for UK firms to expand in China and support jobs at home. A statement from the prime minister's office quoted companies as having been "crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China."
As part of the bilateral package, the two governments also agreed to launch a feasibility study that could pave the way for a broader bilateral services agreement. If pursued, such an agreement would aim to reduce barriers for British providers and deepen market access across multiple sectors.
Focus Areas and Economic Context
The partnership targets stronger links in the services industries that underpin the UK economy. Officials highlighted the following priority sectors:
- Healthcare
- Financial and Professional Services
- Legal Services
- Education and Skills
Britain currently exports about £13 billion in services to China each year, and UK ministers say demand from China is rising. One aim of Starmer's four-day trip to China is to help inject growth into Britain's relatively sluggish economy by boosting trade and investment in services.
Reporting note: The developments were announced after talks between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping and were reported by Reuters.
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