In a major diplomatic step, China has agreed to let British citizens enter without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism and business. This announcement came during UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's visit to Beijing in January 2026. The deal is the first time in decades China has eased travel rules for UK nationals, signaling better ties between the two nations. On January 29, 2026, Starmer met Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior officials at the Great Hall of the People. The landmark visa-free policy will allow British citizens holding ordinary passports to travel to China for short visits without applying for a visa. This is a one-sided benefit, as Chinese citizens will still need visas to visit the UK. Starmer called it "really good progress" for people-to-people links and business growth. He said the move will help UK companies expand in China and encourage cultural exchange. British travellers will save time and money, as they no longer have to handle visa fees and paperwork for short stays. However, the visa-free option does not cover long-term stays like work, study, or residency. The agreement fits within a bigger effort to improve economic cooperation. Starmer’s team included business leaders from finance, healthcare, education, and legal sectors. Talks also covered tariff cuts on UK goods like Scotch whisky to boost trade. This policy comes amid global shifts in relations with China. Other countries like Canada have secured similar visa relaxations. While some praise the development as a step toward friendly dialogue, critics remain wary about China's human rights record and geopolitical issues. Starmer emphasized the UK's goal to balance cooperation with China alongside firm talks on sensitive issues. He stated that strengthening ties with China does not mean abandoning alliances with countries like the United States. Details on when the visa-free travel begins are still pending. Until then, British travellers must follow current visa rules. Many in the UK welcomed the news for opening easier travel and business chances, though some remain frustrated by the lack of an immediate start date. This visa-free agreement is a key milestone in UK-China relations and could open doors for deeper economic and cultural ties in the coming years.