London/Beijing — Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s landmark visit to China has set the stage for a major breakthrough for British travellers, with visa-free entry for UK visitors expected to come into effect shortly after the Chinese New Year holiday, in early March 2026. More than a diplomatic milestone, the visit signals a renewed commitment to openness, cultural exchange, and practical cooperation — with travel firmly at the heart of the relationship.
This was the first visit to China by a British Prime Minister in eight years, a gap Sir Keir himself highlighted at the official welcome. “They say that eight days is a long time in politics — try eight years,” he said, noting the significance of stepping onto Chinese soil after such a long hiatus. Addressing his delegation, he framed the trip as part of a broader shift: an outward-looking Britain, confident on the global stage, focused on building relationships and securing tangible opportunities in the national interest.
One of the most closely watched outcomes of the visit is the anticipated rollout of visa-free entry for UK passport holders travelling to China. Expected to be implemented after the Chinese New Year holiday in early March 2026, the policy would dramatically lower the barrier for British visitors — from leisure travellers and cruise passengers to business delegates and cultural explorers. For the UK travel industry, it marks a potential turning point, unlocking pent-up demand and making China significantly more accessible for first-time and repeat visitors alike.
The tone of the visit extended well beyond conference rooms. In Beijing, Sir Keir and his delegation dined at a local restaurant specialising in Yunnan cuisine — a regional food style celebrated for its diversity and bold flavours. The setting was informal, the welcome warm. Although the restaurant had thoughtfully prepared forks and knives, the entire delegation chose to use Chinese chopsticks. Sir Keir took time to thank the staff personally, expressing his appreciation with a sincere “Xie Xie,” a small but resonant gesture that reflected respect and cultural curiosity.
Cultural exchange continued with the Prime Minister’s visit to the Forbidden City, one of China’s most iconic landmarks and an essential stop for international travellers. Walking through the historic heart of Beijing, Sir Keir underscored the importance of heritage, tourism, and shared cultural experiences as foundations for long-term understanding between nations.
Taken together, these moments point toward a broader revival of people-to-people exchange. With visa-free entry on the horizon, British travellers can look forward to easier journeys to China’s great cities, historic sites, river cruises, and culinary regions — from imperial Beijing to the landscapes of Yunnan and beyond.
Eight years after the last UK prime ministerial visit, the message is clear: a new chapter is opening. And from early March 2026, for UK visitors to China, that chapter may begin without the need for a visa — just curiosity, a passport, and the freedom to explore.