UK's visa free entry to China scheme expanded after several British passport holders detained and deported

Ed Griffiths
Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:10:23 +0000

The UK's visa-free entry to China scheme has been expanded to include the Isle of Man.

The British Island issues a variant passport, the "Manx passport", to all its citizens despite being part of the UK.

Holders are listed as British, but the document says 'British Passport, Isle of Man' instead of 'United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland'.

The Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed these passports are now eligible for visa-free entry into China.

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Border officials are also aware of the update, according to the Isle of Man government, who were in contact with the Chinese embassy.

It comes after several passport holders were reportedly detained and deported from the popular asian country for tourists.

A 26-year-old British woman was refused by Chinese immigration authorities after showing her Isle of Man passport and was sent back to Britain.

The traveller, who wished to remain anonymous, had set off on what was meant to be a 10-day solo trip, departing from Gatwick bound for Shanghai.

Upon landing in China, however, border officials ruled her Manx travel document did not qualify for the 30-day visa-free entry scheme available to British passport holders.

Despite multiple attempts to resolve the matter, she was ultimately escorted back onto a UK-bound aircraft.

Niall Quiggin, a British national, was granted a temporary emergency entry permit after being held in a room for two hours when trying to enter the country for work.

Treasury Minister Chris Thomas said he was "grateful to those who brought the issues to our attention" and the government had worked closely with the UK's FCDO.

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He said: "I welcome the confirmation that holders of Isle of Man passports are eligible for visa‑free travel to China under the new scheme.

"I hope that this clarification will provide greater certainty for people travelling for business, family or leisure."

In February, China announced an extension of its 30-day visa-free entry for UK nationals until the end of 2026.

The extension now also applies to Isle of Man passport-holders.

The relaxed rules for tourists entering the country were introduced after Sir Keir Starmer visited China in January.

Despite critics' warnings that the Prime Minister's visit overlooked human rights and national security concerns, Sir Keir was adamant that the relaxed rules would make it easier for businesses to expand to China.

China's foreign ministry said the scheme would "further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries".

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issued its latest guidance for Britons when travelling to China in February.

It read: "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.

"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.

"If you visit China without the appropriate visa or visa free access you will be refused entry.

"You can visit Hainan without a visa if you fly directly from an approved country or transit point. Check the Hainan Authorities website for more information.

"Depending on your travel plans, visa free transit options are available, including staying in China for up to 10 days.

"Read the Chinese Embassy’s visa website or the Chinese National Immigration Administration website for further information.

"Visa requirements for Hong Kong and Macao are different."