The tangled crimson tape for British guests to China may very well be historical past as quickly as Monday, a number one tour operator has predicted.
At current, UK travellers should apply not more than three months upfront, pay a minimal of £130 and go to a Chinese visa workplace in London, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh to be fingerprinted.
Downing Street has introduced that Sir Keir Starmer has secured a deal on visa-free journey to China for UK residents throughout his go to to Beijing. It will deliver the UK into line with Australia, France, Germany and round 50 different international locations.
An announcement from No 10 mentioned: “It will mean people visiting China on business, as well as tourism, will be able to visit China visa-free.” It gave no particulars of timing.
But Wendy Wu, founding father of the eponymous journey agency, informed The Independent the eased paperwork might take impact inside days: “Hopefully, from next Monday, British travellers will be able to go to China visa free. We predict that. However, the official line is that the Chinese government needs to announce it.
“For Wendy Wu Tours, this is the historical moment that we have been working for and waiting for since 2005.
“In the past, when you go to China, you have to get a visa – and that is so much work. But now it will be no barrier.
“Please take the opportunity and go, go, go. You just take your passport to the window, to the line saying ‘visa free’.”
Citizens of round 50 international locations are already capable of go to the People’s Republic and not using a visa.
Louisa Trickett, product supervisor for China at Audley Travel, mentioned eradicating the crimson tape would remodel journeys: “The visa process could only be started three months before travel, and as the majority of our clients book far earlier than that, it resulted in uncertainty for them in the period between booking and securing their visa.
“We expect to see enquiries rise from those who have been intrigued by China and the incredible experiences it offers, but were put off by the visa application.”
The man who pioneered tourism from the UK to China within the Nineteen Seventies has welcomed the information.
Neil Taylor, former director of Regent Holidays and now a tour chief and guidebook author, mentioned: “This will make China suddenly competitive with all its neighbours: Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Japan, everywhere in that area doesn’t require visas for British people. So now China can join that market again.”
He predicted there may very well be a surge in demand, with prices rising for vacationers to China.
“Airfares may go up in price now unless the airlines expand massively on the basis of this new potential,” Mr Taylor mentioned.
Ms Wu mentioned British guests will likely be welcomed: “Chinese people, they are very outgoing, very warm. So they can’t speak the language, but that doesn’t stop them wanting to take a photo with you and they want to practice a few sentences with you. And you can tell they are so happy to see you.”
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