In a significant expansion of its unilateral visa-free program, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced late on 15 February that ordinary passport holders from Canada and the United Kingdom will be allowed to enter the Chinese mainland without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The measure, which takes effect on 17 February 2026—the first day of the nine-day Spring Festival holiday—runs through 31 December 2026 and covers travel for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchanges and transit.
The change builds on Beijing’s phased rollout of visa-free access for 48 mostly European, Latin-American and Gulf countries in 2025. By adding two G7 economies with substantial investment footprints in China, the foreign ministry signalled renewed confidence in post-pandemic reopening and a desire to revive inbound trade, tourism and academic exchange. Both Ottawa and London had lobbied for easier access amid complaints from executives that lingering entry hurdles were delaying project start-ups and complicating regional travel planning.
Practically, the waiver eliminates the need for business travellers to secure invitation letters and cuts processing time at Chinese consulates from several weeks to minutes at the border. Multinationals headquartered in Toronto, Vancouver, London and Manchester can now dispatch staff for short-term assignments, plant inspections and client meetings on short notice. Travel managers should update internal approval workflows and booking tools to reflect the new eligibility—particularly the 30-day cap and the requirement that passports remain valid for at least six months on arrival.
![China Grants 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Canadian and British Nationals Starting February 17]()
While the policy is temporary, officials hinted that an extension into 2027 is possible if utilisation rates remain high and reciprocal treatment for Chinese citizens is maintained. Companies are therefore advised to monitor load factors on Canada–China and UK–China routes, as carriers are expected to add capacity to capture pent-up demand. Travellers who need multiple-entry, longer-term stays or work authorization must still obtain the appropriate visas before travel.
For those situations where a visa is still required—such as assignments longer than 30 days, multiple entries, or specialized work permits—VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides real-time requirements, online application tools and courier services, making it easier for Canadian and UK travelers to secure the correct documentation ahead of departure.
HR and global mobility teams should also remind employees that the visa waiver does not override China’s strict registration requirements: foreigners must register their place of residence with local police within 24 hours of arrival (usually handled automatically by hotels) and must carry their passports during domestic travel. Violations can result in fines or future entry bans, even under the visa-free regime.
The change builds on Beijing’s phased rollout of visa-free access for 48 mostly European, Latin-American and Gulf countries in 2025. By adding two G7 economies with substantial investment footprints in China, the foreign ministry signalled renewed confidence in post-pandemic reopening and a desire to revive inbound trade, tourism and academic exchange. Both Ottawa and London had lobbied for easier access amid complaints from executives that lingering entry hurdles were delaying project start-ups and complicating regional travel planning.
Practically, the waiver eliminates the need for business travellers to secure invitation letters and cuts processing time at Chinese consulates from several weeks to minutes at the border. Multinationals headquartered in Toronto, Vancouver, London and Manchester can now dispatch staff for short-term assignments, plant inspections and client meetings on short notice. Travel managers should update internal approval workflows and booking tools to reflect the new eligibility—particularly the 30-day cap and the requirement that passports remain valid for at least six months on arrival.
While the policy is temporary, officials hinted that an extension into 2027 is possible if utilisation rates remain high and reciprocal treatment for Chinese citizens is maintained. Companies are therefore advised to monitor load factors on Canada–China and UK–China routes, as carriers are expected to add capacity to capture pent-up demand. Travellers who need multiple-entry, longer-term stays or work authorization must still obtain the appropriate visas before travel.
For those situations where a visa is still required—such as assignments longer than 30 days, multiple entries, or specialized work permits—VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides real-time requirements, online application tools and courier services, making it easier for Canadian and UK travelers to secure the correct documentation ahead of departure.
HR and global mobility teams should also remind employees that the visa waiver does not override China’s strict registration requirements: foreigners must register their place of residence with local police within 24 hours of arrival (usually handled automatically by hotels) and must carry their passports during domestic travel. Violations can result in fines or future entry bans, even under the visa-free regime.
