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PRESS RELEASE
UK cuts visa price for Chinese tourists
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 £44 for a pilot
period of three months from 3 March.
The importance of Chinese tourism to UK
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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.
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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
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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.
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55 ADS agents China-wide (Embassy and Consulates-General in Beijing, Shanghai,
Guangzhou, Chongqing)
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Over 13,000 ADS visas issued in China in 2007
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Price reduction from 945 RMB to 675 RMB at the current exchange rate of 15 RMB
to £1.
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26% increase on 2006 (95% issue rate)
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Group (and any sub-group submitted at another VAC) must have at least 5 members
(excluding tour leader).
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ADS is the only route for group tourism into the UK
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Successful applications issued with single or dual entry visa endorsed ‘Visit –
ADS’ valid for 30 days.
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