UK China visa scheme to apply to Manx passports
BBCA UK temporary China visa scheme will now also apply to the Isle of Man, the government has confirmed, after several Manx passport-holders were recently detained and deported from the country.
Last month, a woman told the BBC of her experience of being denied entry and immediately deported from China after her Manx passport was deemed invalid for a 30-day visa-free entry currently offered to British citizens.
Now, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has said that holders of Crown Dependency variant passports are eligible for visa-free entry into China.
The Isle of Man government said the Chinese embassy had confirmed border officials were aware of the update.
The nationality stated on an Isle of Man passport is a British citizen, but on the cover of the document it says British Passport Isle of Man, instead of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
In February, China announced an extension of its 30-day visa-free entry for UK nationals until 31 December 2026 - which now also applies to Isle of Man passport-holders.
'Greater certainty'
Talks between the Manx government and FCDO were sparked by a number of cases which highlighted the problems people were facing as they tried to enter China on a Manx passport.
He was moved to a holding room for two hours, before eventually being granted a temporary emergency entry permit.
Treasury Minister Chris Thomas said he was "grateful to those who brought the issues to our attention" and the government had worked closely with the UK's FCDO.
"I welcome the confirmation that holders of Isle of Man passports are eligible for visa‑free travel to China under the new scheme," he said.
" I hope that this clarification will provide greater certainty for people travelling for business, family or leisure."
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