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A beautiful country with some of the world's most iconic landmarks and stunning landscapes has relaxed its visa requirements for Brits, but only for a limited time.

In a new visa change, UK travellers can now visit mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa. The visa-free entry came into effect from today (Tuesday, 17 February) and is available for tourism, family or friend visits, business, or transit.

Canadian nationals can also take advantage of the relaxed travel rules and marvel at some of the world's most remarkable landmarks, including the Great Wall of China or the Forbidden City, both found in Beijing. The coastal city of Shanghai is another popular destination in China, home to the 500-year-old Yu Garden and the Shanghai Tower.

The visa-free entry was confirmed following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing last month, during which he struck a deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping to relax travel rules. However, the policy is currently only available until 31 December 2026, so anyone keen to jet off and explore East Asia might want to consider booking a trip for this year.

One-way flights from London Heathrow to Beijing start from £200, with two stops, or direct flights start from around £466 and take just under 10 hours. However, the price of flights can fluctuate throughout the year, so there's still time to secure a deal for that bucket-list trip to China and take advantage of the visa-free entry.

The news has delighted travellers eager to explore China, as one shared online: "This is awesome. Who wouldn't want to check out China? Always wanted to visit the Great Wall." "China's economy will boom for sure. It would be interesting to see how the impact is on UK and Canadian local businesses," another person added.

In updated guidance, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) stated: "Until 31 December 2026, you can enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friend visits or transit.

"If you travel to China for any other reason (this includes paid work, long-term assignments, journalism, or study) or for a stay exceeding 30 days, you must apply for a visa before your trip to China.

"If you have any doubt about your eligibility, verify the conditions for visa-free entry with the Chinese Embassy in London.

"If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa-free access, you will be refused entry."

The FCDO added that Brits can also visit Hainan, a picturesque island in China, without a visa, but they must fly directly from an "approved country or transit point". For more information, you can visit the Hainan Authorities website.

The office also outlined that "visa-free transit options are available, including staying in China for up to 10 days". For more information, you can visit theChinese Embassy's visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website.

Meanwhile, visa requirements for visiting Hong Kongand Macao differ, with information available for both countries through the government's foreign travel advice page.

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