Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma): Canadian passport holders can now travel to China without a visa for short stays, following a new policy announced by China’s Foreign Ministry. The measure, which takes effect Tuesday, will remain in place until December 31, 2026.
Under the arrangement, Canadians may enter China for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism, business, visiting family and friends, exchanges, and transit. The same visa exemption will also apply to U.K. passport holders.
In a statement released by the ministry, Beijing described the move as part of efforts to encourage international travel and strengthen cross-border engagement.
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand acknowledged the development on social media, saying the policy would ease travel, promote commercial exchanges, and deepen people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Diplomatic Overture Following High-Level Talks
The prospect of visa-free access for Canadians was first raised in January during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing, where he held talks with President Xi Jinping. At the time, the Prime Minister’s Office said Carney welcomed China’s intention to introduce streamlined entry for Canadian travellers.
That visit marked a significant step in stabilizing relations after years of diplomatic strain. It also coincided with broader economic discussions, including agreements that would see thousands of Chinese electric vehicles enter the Canadian market in exchange for tariff relief on certain Canadian agricultural exports such as canola.
Easing Travel Barriers
Until now, most Canadian travellers heading to China faced a detailed visa application process along with fees averaging about $140. The new exemption removes both the paperwork and the cost for short-term visits.
China has introduced similar visa waivers for several Western nations in recent years as part of efforts to revive tourism and international business travel following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest move signals continued warming of ties between Ottawa and Beijing, with both governments appearing keen to expand cooperation after a prolonged period of diplomatic tension that had also affected tourism flows and trade.
