Chinese people can now apply for a new kind of UK visa which entitles them to take unlimited short trips to Britain over a period of two to five years, said the British Embassy in Beijing.

The long-term premium UK visa costs 3,100 yuan (US$426) and holders only have to give their fingerprints once.

The visa has been created to meet the needs of travelers who wish to visit the UK on a regular basis for business or pleasure.

The embassy says the premium visa will also protect holders from any increase in fees for up to five years.

And if a passport expires before the visa does, the UK embassy or consulates will transfer the visa to the new passport.