Applicants for visas wait in line at the British visa center in Beijing.[Photo by Wang Jing/China Daily]

Britain eases visa regime for Chinese tourists

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced new visa policy for Chinese visitors during the state visit of President Xi Jinping in October.

Chinese visitors are currently issued a six-month tourist visa that costs 85 pounds ($131). Under the new rules, which start in January, the visa will provide multiple entries to the UK over two years without the need for extra paperwork or expenditure.

Cameron also announced his intention to go further with plans for a new 10-year multi-entry visa for Chinese tourists at no extra cost.

Changes also include expanding the UK's mobile fingerprinting service to 50 Chinese cities from the present nine. The two governments are negotiating an increase in the number of visa application centers.

"China is becoming one of our fastest-growing tourism markets, so making it easier and more convenient for Chinese visitors to come to the UK is extremely important," Cameron said.