[nobodywillobsrv]

Isn't visa free travel just going to create more problems at the border where border force has very little time and no paper work to review your case?

Pre applying is usually less stressful as you are trying to do your best to show that are ok. Just showing up is a not great for either side.

I often wonder the reasoning.

[OJFord]

Do you mean specifically because it's China? Otherwise, no, have you not travelled anywhere that doesn't need a visa? Like (assuming from the UK) Canada, the USA, almost(?) anywhere in Europe? It's fine, there's very little 'review your case' to happen.

[robocat]

> the USA

Only technically do you not need a VISA.

In practice you need to apply for ETSA - requiring a biometric photo and your phone number and social media details and a destination contact address.

So you don't need a VISA, but you do need to fill out the equivalent and get authorization. Flights require the ETSA (so you cannot wing it) and the airline checked properly.

Plus the ETSA App is awful (I've had better experiences from this world countries). And there's another app you should install (customs declaration?).

Do not visit the USA unless you're desperate to (my strong recommendation).

[rjh29]

OP is probably talking about pre-entry authorisation (ESTA) which is required by the US and will soon be required in UK, Europe, Japan etc. it's not a full on visa with lots of paperwork but it does eliminate the risk of someone showing up and being denied entry.

[adrian_b]

I have traveled to Japan without needing a visa and it was very convenient.

All you had to do was filling a form with the personal details at the arrival airport (and of course, a valid passport).