Visa processes for the Chinese visiting the UK will be streamlined in new measures announced today by the Home Office.
The government urged to reduce paperwork and red tape to make it easier for Chinese people to visit the UK and Europe in one trip, with the UK to offer a new 24-hour visa service from August.
The dual-process with the Schengen follows a successful trial through tour operators last year to put applications in one form.
Later in the autumn Chinese visitors will be able to use an Irish visa to travel to the UK and vice versa, while talks continue with Europe on streamlining the Schengen/UK arrangements.
Information for Chinese tourists has also been updated and integrated onto mobile and tablet platforms.
“The number of Chinese people coming to Britain to visit and do business is soaring. They already enjoy a first-rate visa service and these changes will ensure it is easier than ever before to visit the UK and see first-hand everything this great country has to offer,” said Home Secretary Theresa May. “Having a visa system is vital to protecting Britain’s borders and we won’t relinquish control of them by joining Schengen. But I want to make sure they are as efficient as possible in welcoming tourists and business people from around the world.”
Comments are closed.