China gets special visa treatment from UK

Britain is set to offer China special treatment with the option of a single application window for a British as well as Europe-wide visa.
From July 1, 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, can apply through a single visit to application centres in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
As part of an agreement between the UK and Belgium, which is a Schengen member country, Chinese tourists and business need not make separate applications.
And 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," UK 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," she added.

The pilot scheme is expected to attract thousands more Chinese tourists and businessmen to the UK and EU.
The change follows earlier schemes to make it easier for Chinese visitors, including "super-priority" and mobile visa services.
A similar same-day "super-priority" visa service is also available to wealthy Indians who can afford the hefty fees of the super-fast service.