Beijing drops visa requirement for Canadian tourists and business visitors

China will waive visas for Canadian tourists and business visitors for stays up to 30 days, effective Tuesday through at least the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry said. The move follows recent diplomatic engagement by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Beijing.

China will waive visa requirements for Canadian tourists and business visitors for stays up to 30 days, the Foreign Ministry announced. The policy becomes effective Tuesday and is scheduled to remain in place through at least the end of the year. The announcement follows diplomatic engagement by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a recent visit to Beijing. Previously, most Canadian travellers to mainland China faced a lengthy application process and roughly $140 in fees. Key details: - Canadians will no longer be required to obtain visas for 30-day stays, according to China's Foreign Ministry. - The waiver takes effect Tuesday and is set to run through at least the end of the year. - Entering mainland China previously involved a more involved application process and about $140 in fees for most Canadians. - Mark Carney said during his visit that President Xi Jinping committed to visa-free access; China had not previously confirmed that commitment. - China has lifted visa requirements for other Western countries in recent years as part of efforts to boost tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. Summary: The waiver removes a visa requirement for short tourist and business visits and is intended to facilitate travel between Canada and China. It takes effect Tuesday and will run through at least the end of the year. How the arrangement may be handled after that period has not been stated.