Visa-free China for UK Visitors from 17 February 2026 and Riviera Travel’s 2026–2027 Programmes

From 17 February 2026 UK nationals will be permitted to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, aligning the UK with more than 50 countries that already enjoy simplified entry and immediately reducing friction for inbound travel planning and ground transport arrangements.

Riviera Travel’s line-up at a glance

Riviera Travel has prepared two primary products to capitalise on the policy change: a refreshed Classic China Tour with departures in 2026 and 2027, and a new flagship 14‑day Yangtze River Cruise launching in 2027 aboard the five‑star Century Legend. Both itineraries are tailored for cultural immersion and include internal transfers and local logistics.

2027 Yangtze River Cruise — logistical highlights

The new Yangtze itinerary combines urban stays and river cruising: three nights in 北京 followed by a 10‑night sailing from Chongqing への 上海. This format requires coordinated transfers between airports, hotels and the ship’s embarkation point, plus timed excursions at river towns and scenic stops.

What’s included on the Yangtze cruise

• Three nights in Beijing with guided visits to the Forbidden City and the Great Wall
• 10‑night cruise showcasing the Three Gorges, sacred mountains and ancient towns
• Stops in Chongqing, Wuhan, Nanjing そして 上海
• Full board, unlimited selected drinks, balcony cabins and gratuities included
• 20 included excursions, international and internal flights, Wi‑Fi and an expert Tour Manager

Classic China Tour — reliable logistics for small groups

Riviera’s Classic China Tour offers 11 nights in four‑star hotels with 15 included experiences. Typical highlights: the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, a Li River cruise, the Summer Palace, Chengdu’s panda centre and a Shanghai river cruise. Group sizes are compact—averaging 22 guests—so transfers and coach logistics remain efficient and predictable.

Operational considerations for travellers

• Airport-to-hotel transfers are generally included; confirm exact pick-up points and luggage allowances.
• Internal flights and high‑speed rail segments may demand early check‑in and precise timing; allow buffer time for connections.
• Local driver and guide arrangements are part of the package—retain contact details for on-the-ground coordination.

How visa changes affect taxi and transfer planning

Visa-free access shortens pre-trip paperwork and increases spontaneous bookings, which has direct implications for taxi and transfer demand at major nodes like Beijing Capital/Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Chengdu Shuangliu and Chongqing Jiangbei airports. Expect higher peak‑period volumes and a greater need for transparent, pre-booked transfer services that provide exact vehicle details, driver license verification and clear fare pricing.

Practical transfer checklist

• Confirm arrival terminal and estimated time of disembarkation
• Book transfers that show make, model, driver rating and fixed fares to avoid meter surprises
• Opt for providers offering waiting time and flexible cancellation for delayed flights

GetTransfer.com’s model—where users can choose a specific vehicle, view make and model, see driver ratings and lock in an exact price—addresses many of the operational pain points that will arise as UK arrivals into China increase.

The Year of the Horse framing for these 2026–2027 departures underlines momentum: travellers are more likely to seek active, discovery‑led itineraries. Riviera’s timed departures and combined air/ground logistics target culture seekers who value a balanced programme of sightseeing and comfortable transfers.

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Key highlights: visa waivers reduce barriers, Riviera Travel offers two well‑scaffolded itineraries (a 14‑day Yangtze voyage on Century Legend and a Classic China circuit), and increased arrivals will put a premium on reliable airport and intercity transfers. Even the most detailed reviews and honest feedback can’t fully replace first‑hand experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasise the platform’s transparency and convenience, reinforcing its distinctive advantages and aligning with the context and theme of your article. Book now GetTransfer.com

In summary, the 30‑day visa‑free entry for UK travellers from 17 February 2026 simplifies routing and reduces administrative lead time, improving the practicality of combined air, rail and river itineraries offered by operators such as Riviera Travel. Traveller needs will tilt toward confirmed, exact transfer services that list vehicle, driver and fare details in advance. Whether heading to an airport, city centre or cruise embarkation, travellers should book transfers early to secure preferred cars, seats and pricing. GetTransfer.com supports this shift by offering transparent, global booking options—showing vehicle makes and models, driver credentials and fixed prices—so travellers can book with confidence and avoid surprises on arrival.