Chinese visitors continue to choose the UK

Quarterly immigration statistics have shown that the UK is continuing to attract visitors from China.

The number of visas issued to Chinese nationals has risen steadily since the year to June 2009. The statistics show that in the year to December 2012, the total number of visas issued to Chinese nationals has increased by 7% from the year to December 2011, with an increase of 6% in visit visas issued. There was also a 9% increase in the number of study visas issued to Chinese nationals.

The government is working to continually improve the visa service in China, and the latest statistics demonstrate that Chinese nationals are still choosing the UK as a destination to visit, study and do business.

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said:

‘Our Chinese visa system provides an excellent service in terms of processing time, convenience and value for money. There has been strong and sustained growth in visitor numbers from China last year, with visit visas issued to 95% of applicants who applied.

‘It is straightforward for Chinese tourists to apply for a visa. There is a form that can be completed online in just ten minutes, information and guidance translated into Chinese and access to a Chinese language phone and email service.’

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v1.0.