China Visa-Free Entry for UK Citizens: 30 Days from February 17, 2026
Yes. UK ordinary passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days, effective from 00:00 on February 17, 2026 to 23:59 on December 31, 2026. The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the addition on February 16, 2026, and the National Immigration Administration confirmed in a March 2 briefing that the scheme runs to year-end rather than expiring March 31. The policy covers tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit. You need a valid UK passport with at least 6 months remaining and an onward or return ticket within the 30-day window. Fingerprinting on arrival is standard, and you must register with the local police station, or your hotel registers you, within 24 hours of arrival. Stays beyond 30 days, or trips for work, study, or journalism, still require a regular visa from the embassy in London. Diplomatic and service passports follow separate rules. The 144-hour transit option remains available if you fly through a third country, but for direct UK-China-UK trips the 30-day visa-free policy is now the simpler choice. The scheme is unilateral and may be extended again — check the Chinese embassy in London before you book non-refundable flights.
- UK passports get 30 days visa-free entry to mainland China from Feb 17, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026.
- Carry an onward or return ticket within 30 days; fingerprinting on arrival is standard.
- Hotel registration with local police is required within 24 hours — your hotel handles it for you.
- Stays over 30 days, or work, study, or journalism trips, still need a full visa from the London embassy.
- The 144-hour transit option still exists if you connect through a third country.
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