20 October 2008

Dear Colleagues

VISAS FOR BRITISH BUSINESS

Throughout the summer, and in particular since the end of the Beijing Olympics, the Embassy has remained in close touch with the Chinese authorities over the question of the application process for applying for business visas to China.

We have now received assurances from the Foreign Ministry that previous restrictions have been relaxed.

The Chinese Embassy website in London indicates that it is again possible for applicants to provide a letter and invitation from a host commercial organisation in China, or the visa notification form issued by an authorised Chinese government agency (which was the required supporting document for the Olympics).

I hope that this marks a return to the normal flow of business and that you and your colleagues will now have a smooth passage into China.

If you have any further questions or experience problems, please do not hesitate to let us know.  In the first instance, please contact UKTI (commercialmail.beijing@fco.gov.uk).  I have put a copy of this letter on the British Embassy website and sent it to the CBBC in London as well as FCO China Desk and UKTI China Desk.  Please feel free to place it on your own websites.

Barbara Woodward
Chargé d’Affaires