The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for a holiday hotspot (Image: Getty Images)
A travel update has been issued by the Foreign Office for Brits travelling to a holiday hotspot, including an on-arrival medical screening.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has provided new information for British holidaymakers travelling to China. In the update on Monday, 10 August, the FCDO outlined the visa requirements.
“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,” they stated. “This policy applies to all holders of standard British passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen.’ Holders of British Crown Dependency passports whose nationality is listed as ‘British citizen’ are eligible for this policy.
China is offering visa-free travel for Brits for stays of up to 30 days (Image: Getty Images)
“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.”
The Foreign Office warned: “If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa-free access, you will be refused entry.” They also noted that “Holders of Emergency Travel Documents” are not permitted to enter China without a visa.
Brits keen to make the most of a visa-free trip to China, home to the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City in Beijing, should also be aware that they may be subject to medical screening upon arrival. This could also be conducted during a stay in China.
The FCDO outlined: “You may need to pass through medical screening on entry into China. This may be body temperature scanning, or more rarely testing, such as throat or nasal swabs, blood tests or medical examinations. You may be refused entry into China if you do not comply.”
The Forbidden City in Beijing is just one of the famous landmarks in the country (Image: Getty Images)
Furthermore, Brits are required to record their stay with the authorities. “You must register your place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours of arrival,” the Foreign Office said.
“Chinese authorities enforce this rule with regular spot-checks of foreign nationals’ documentation. If you’re staying in a hotel, they will register you when you check in.”
British travellers may also need to register their biometric details on arrival. The Foreign Office explained: “Immigration authorities may collect biometric data, including scanned fingerprints and photos, to register your entry into China.”
To travel to China, Brits must ensure their passports have an expiry date at least six months after their arrival and include two blank pages for visas and stamping. The FCDO advised: “Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.”
They warned: “You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.”
For more information on travel advice to China, including the 30-day free visa, visit the Foreign Office website.
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