Canadian passport holders can travel to China visa-free starting this week

China announced Canadian passport holders will be exempt from visas for stays up to 30 days, with the policy effective until December 31, 2026.

China announced that Canadian passport holders will be exempt from visas for short stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family or friends visits, exchanges and transit. The policy began Tuesday and is set to run until December 31, 2026, according to a statement from China’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the change on social media and described it as easing travel and supporting business exchanges and people-to-people ties. The announcement follows discussions in January after Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing. Key details: - The exemption allows Canadian passport holders to enter China and stay up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visits, exchange and transit purposes. - The policy is effective through December 31, 2026 and began on a Tuesday as reported by the ministry statement. - The measure also applies to U.K. passport holders. - Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed the policy and said it supports travel and business exchanges. - The idea was first mentioned after Prime Minister Mark Carney met President Xi Jinping in January, and that visit was linked in reporting to a broader agreement involving Chinese electric vehicles and tariff breaks on Canadian agricultural products such as canola seeds. - Prior to this change, most Canadian tourists faced a lengthier visa application process and about $140 in fees, and Beijing had maintained visa requirements and limited some Chinese tourism groups during an earlier diplomatic dispute. Summary: Officials say the change is intended to make travel easier and to support business exchanges and people-to-people ties between the countries. The policy is scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026.