BRUSSELS: Britain and Belgium have announced new streamlined visa procedures for Chinese nationals who want to visit both Britain and the wider Schengen area, which is made up of 26 European countries that allow passport-free travel.
The two EU countries said on Friday that the pilot scheme would allow Chinese tourists and business people to apply for visas for Britain and Belgium – which is a member of the Schengen area – through a single visit to application centres in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
Under the Schengen system, visitors who obtain a Belgian visa can visit any of the other 25 countries in the area.
“This scheme will create a one-stop shop for Chinese visitors to the UK and Europe, whether they are coming here for business or leisure,” the British home secretary, Theresa May, said.
We will continue to make sure our visa services are world-class to ensure that our borders are protected and that Britain remains open for business.”
