Britons to get visa-free travel to China as Starmer hails 'strong' relationship with Beijing after Xi talks
The visa waiver allows British citizens to stay in China up to 30 days visa-free and supports a feasibility study for a bilateral services agreement to boost trade.
- On January 29, 2026, China added the United Kingdom to its visa-free waiver, allowing British citizens visa-free trips under 30 days.
- As part of a `new partnership`, the two governments agreed a feasibility study on a bilateral services agreement to grow Britain's services sector, which exports 13 billion pounds annually to China, supporting British firms and jobs at home.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer held talks with President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, accompanied by top aides and top ministers, marking the first UK prime ministerial visit since 2018 and including a visit to the Forbidden City.
- Security cooperation will target smugglers' supply chains and manufacturers, covering intelligence-sharing on smugglers' supply routes and engaging Chinese manufacturers as some small boats crossing the Channel use Chinese-made engines.
- China said it stands ready to develop a long-term and consistent strategic partnership with the UK, while Sir Keir Starmer raised Jimmy Lai's detention and Uyghurs' treatment during talks.
25 Articles
25 Articles
China And Britain Signal Long-Term Partnership After Xi-Starmer Talks
China and Britain agreed to deepen cooperation and pursue a long-term strategic partnership after talks between President Xi Jinping and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing, signaling a thaw in bilateral relations. Xi called for a “new chapter” in ties and urged closer dialogue between the two countries as major economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council. BREAKING: British citizens will now be able to travel to China withou…
British citizens will be able to travel to China without a visa provided they stay there for less than 30 days, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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