China has agreed to ease visa restrictions for British citizens, allowing short-term visa-free travel as Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrapped up high-level talks in Beijing

aimed at boosting economic ties between the two countries.

Under the new arrangement, UK passport holders will be able to travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. Starmer announced the move after meeting President Xi Jinping, describing it as a significant win for British businesses looking to expand their presence in the world’s second-largest economy.

The visa relaxation was unveiled as part of a broader “new partnership” framework between London and Beijing, which the UK government hopes will help inject momentum into Britain’s sluggish economy. Starmer is on a four-day visit to China with growth firmly at the top of his agenda.

In a statement, the prime minister said British companies had been “crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China,” adding that easier travel would remove practical barriers for firms seeking new clients, partnerships and investment opportunities abroad. The government believes the move could ultimately help support job creation back home.

Alongside the visa changes, the two countries agreed to launch a feasibility study that could lead to a bilateral services agreement in the future. Such a deal would aim to improve market access for UK firms operating in China, particularly in sectors where Britain has a competitive edge.

The UK’s economy is heavily driven by services, and the proposed partnership will focus on deepening cooperation in areas including healthcare, financial and professional services, legal services, education, and skills development.

According to government figures, Britain currently exports around £13 billion worth of services to China each year, with demand continuing to rise. Officials hope the latest agreements will help UK businesses capture a larger share of that growing market. Photo by Chmee2, Wikimedia commons.