BRITISH tourists were refused entry to China and threatened with prison sentences after attempting to enter Beijing for a cruise holiday.
They were warned that they would be arrested if they were still in the airport for 24 hours.
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Passengers were due to travel on a 12-day Royal Caribbean cruise on the Quantum of the Seas ship, which started with a three-day stop at Beijing.
However, despite being able to enter the country thanks to the 144-hour visa exemption rule, many were turned away at the airport.
British families claim they were “randomly targeted” by officials before being told they could not enter the country despite having the correct visas.
Alison Goldie, 56, was travelling with her husband Allan, 56, as well as her friends Lesley and Scott and their parents.
However, she was told that while she could travel to the country, the rest of the group could not.
She told the Express that her friend’s parents were in a “completely different country” for five days.
Alison accused the officials of playing “a game” and they “giggled” and refused random people entry.
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Forty-six-year-old Clair Matthews was travelling with her husband and parents-in-law when they faced similar problems – and were all refused entry.
She explained that even though they had a temporary visa, they said they were not allowed in.
Clair added: “I was told that if I was still here within 24 hours of landing and didn’t have proof of onward travel, I would be taken to prison.”
Both groups were forced to pay for flights to Japan to meet the ship at its next port, with Clair and her family spending more than £3,000 for last minute tickets and four nights at a hotel.
Kate Hayes, 67, and her husband Ray, 72, were also both turned away after landing at Beijing Airport.
She told the Liverpool Echo that immigration officers “didn’t have a reason” for refusing them entry.
Do you need a visa for China?
Brits heading to China for a holiday will need to apply for a visa.
However, tourists who are just transiting through the country will be able to apply for a visa waiver.
According to the UK Foreign Office: “If you’re transiting China, visa waivers are available in certain places.
“Visitors transiting through Shanghai can apply online for a 144 hour visa exemption via the Shanghai General Station of Immigration Inspection.”
Brits heading to Hong Kong or Macao do not currently need a visa.
They were also warned that they would be arrested if they were still in the airport for 24 hours.
Kate and Ray were unable to pay for flights to Japan, where the cruise ship would next dock.
Instead, they were forced to fly back home to the UK, missing their holiday.
The Foreign Office has updated their travel advice for China, explaining: “The British Embassy in Beijing has received reports of a recent increase in cases where entry to China under the visa waiver on arrival scheme has been refused, which may be linked to previous travel history.
“You should note that entry to China under a visa waiver is not guaranteed – Chinese border officials have the right to refuse entry without warning or explanation.”
Fuming cruise passengers staged a “mutiny” after the ship ditched a stop in Iceland for Glasgow.
A group of friends were banned for life from a cruise ship after they were accused of damaging a lift.
Sun Online Travel has contacted Royal Caribbean and the Chinese embassy for comment.
