Beijing drops visa requirement for Canadian tourists and business visitors.

China will allow Canadians to enter without visas for 30-day visits starting Tuesday through at least the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry announced after recent diplomatic moves involving Prime Minister Mark Carney.

China will lift its visa requirement for Canadian tourists and business visitors for stays of up to 30 days. The Foreign Ministry said the change begins Tuesday and will remain in place through at least the end of the year. The announcement follows recent diplomatic efforts by Prime Minister Mark Carney to improve relations with Beijing. Until now, most Canadian visitors to mainland China faced a longer application process and about $140 in fees. Key details: - Canadians will not be required to obtain visas for stays up to 30 days, starting Tuesday and valid through at least the end of the year, as announced by China’s Foreign Ministry. - Prime Minister Mark Carney said during a visit that Chinese President Xi Jinping had committed to visa-free access, a point China did not formally confirm at the time. - Entering mainland China previously required a lengthier application and roughly $140 in fees for most Canadian tourists. - China has removed visa requirements for other Western countries in recent years as part of efforts to boost tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. - Beijing had maintained a visa requirement for Canadians and limited how many Chinese tourism groups could visit Canada during a years-long diplomatic spat. Summary: The change reduces formal entry steps for short visits and is in effect through at least the end of the year. Undetermined at this time.