Britain introduced a Super Priority visa service in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou on Monday.

Applicants can apply in the morning and receive their visas within 24 hours. The move is part of a British plan to attract more Chinese tourists and business travelers by simplifying the visa process.

"On the first day, we had five applicants in Beijing and three in Shanghai, and we have a number of appointments booked for later in the week," said John Gallagher, communications counselor at the British embassy. "We expect the service to be popular."