UK government simplifies visa applications for Chinese visitors

By

Cajsa Lykke Carlson

Published
Jun 22, 2015

The UK government has agreed on a partnership with Belgium to make it easier for Chinese tourists to get British visas.

International spend expert Global Blue, which has been working with the UK government to improve the application process for visitor visas in China, announced that applying for a UK visa will now be much simpler for visitors from China. A new partnership with Belgium enables permits for Britain and European Schengen countries to be processed in the same centre.

Chinese visitors are high spenders and British retailers . especially those in London - will doubtlessly be thrilled with the news. The recommendation was initiated by the UK China Visa Alliance (UKCVA.)

Gordon Clark, Head of Commercial UK and Ireland for Global Blue says, "With China being the UK's largest tax free shopping tourism market, the Government must ensure it does all it can to make it as easy as possible to visit, spend, study and do business in this GREAT country. Today's announcement is due recognition of the great work of the UKCVA and for the impact these high spending tourists have across retail, leisure and hospitality and will boost Chinese visitor numbers in the long term and help us compete with other European destinations."