China replaces India to top list of annual British visa applications

China has topped the list of annual British visa applications, replacing India, said the British Ambassador to China Barbara Woodward at a press conference in Beijing.

According to News.com.au, the number of visas issued in China reached more than 4,00,000 in 2014.

Woodward said that Britain has begun to issue long-term visas for either business trips or normal tourism, and that as long as the applicants keep sound records on previous visits to Britain, they will have the right to apply for multi-entry visas valid for one year, two, five and even up to 10 years.

The British are trying every means to find more convenient ways to cater to Chinese tourists, which, however, does not necessarily mean joining the Schengen visa scheme, she said.