Immigration Minister Liam Byrne announced today that the UK
is to substantially lower the price of its group tourist visa
in China from £63 to £45 for a pilot period of three months
from 3 March.
The importance of Chinese tourism to UK
The UK's relationship with China is crucial and growing,
and mobility between the two countries is essential to underpin
it. The visa system needs to facilitate that mobility.
Against that background, Chinese tourists are visiting
Europe in increasing numbers. The UK wants to welcome as many
as possible and ensure that Britain is at the heart of the
European destination for all Chinese visitors.
Mr. Byrne said today
'Our growing relationship with China is of critical importance
to UK. Outbound Chinese tourism is growing rapidly and we want
the UK to be the destination of choice'.
'The visas system has rigorous controls but we also want to make
it as easy as possible for people to visit the UK legally. We
are developing a new group tourist visa and it is fitting that
we are trialling the lower cost aspects of this in China.'
'The lower priced visa will be available for 3 months from 3 March.
Analysis of the impact on demand from Chinese tourists will inform
the wider work we are progressing on development of the new group
tourist visa.
I am pleased to be able to announce this as we celebrate Chinese
New Year and trust it will be regarded as a sign of the welcome
we extend to tourists and the importance we place on China in
particular.'
British Embassy
13 February 2008
Background Information
UK-China Approved Destination Status Memorandum of Understanding
signed in July 2005, between the British Government and the
National Tourism Administration of China (CNTA) to facilitate
the visit of Chinese Tourist Groups to the UK.
55 ADS agents China-wide (Embassy and Consulates-General
in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing)
Over 13,000 ADS visas issued in China in 2007
Price reduction from 945 RMB to 675 RMB at the current
exchange rate of 15 RMB to �1.
26% increase on 2006 (95% issue rate)
Group (and any sub-group submitted at another VAC) must
have at least 5 members (excluding tour leader).
ADS is the only route for group tourism into the UK
Successful applications issued with single or dual entry
visa endorsed �Visit � ADS� valid for 30 days.
