Canadian and British citizens can now enter China visa-free for up to 30 days, following the policy’s activation on 17 February and a formal media briefing on 22 February. The waiver lifts the total number of countries enjoying 30-day visa-free access to 50, and 79 if shorter-stay and mutual-exemption schemes are counted. (straitstimes.com)
Beijing framed the move as part of a “middle-power outreach” strategy designed to repair relations frayed by trade and security disputes. Analysts note that both Ottawa and London have recently tempered their rhetoric on technology decoupling and human-rights sanctions, creating space for people-to-people engagement.
From a commercial standpoint, the policy sharply reduces administrative friction for two of China’s top sources of foreign direct investment. British firms operate more than 700 entities on the mainland, while Canadian agri-tech and mining companies maintain extensive joint-ventures in northern provinces. Eliminating visa paperwork is expected to accelerate executive visits, site inspections and supplier audits.
![Visa-free entry for UK and Canadian nationals takes effect, signalling China’s new diplomacy push]()
For travelers and businesses that still need specialized permits—or simply want assurance that they are following the latest requirements—VisaHQ offers an easy one-stop resource. Its China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) tracks real-time entry policies, provides step-by-step checklists for every visa class, and offers concierge support that can pivot clients from visa-free visits to work or study visas whenever needed.
Travel-industry data show an immediate demand spike: Ctrip reported a 260 percent week-on-week increase in flight searches from London to Shanghai after the announcement. Airlines are already evaluating capacity adds for the summer 2026 timetable.
Global-mobility managers should update immigration matrices and employee-handbooks to reflect the exemption but remind staff that the waiver does not confer work authorisation; separate Z- or R-visas remain mandatory for compensated activities.
Beijing framed the move as part of a “middle-power outreach” strategy designed to repair relations frayed by trade and security disputes. Analysts note that both Ottawa and London have recently tempered their rhetoric on technology decoupling and human-rights sanctions, creating space for people-to-people engagement.
From a commercial standpoint, the policy sharply reduces administrative friction for two of China’s top sources of foreign direct investment. British firms operate more than 700 entities on the mainland, while Canadian agri-tech and mining companies maintain extensive joint-ventures in northern provinces. Eliminating visa paperwork is expected to accelerate executive visits, site inspections and supplier audits.
For travelers and businesses that still need specialized permits—or simply want assurance that they are following the latest requirements—VisaHQ offers an easy one-stop resource. Its China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) tracks real-time entry policies, provides step-by-step checklists for every visa class, and offers concierge support that can pivot clients from visa-free visits to work or study visas whenever needed.
Travel-industry data show an immediate demand spike: Ctrip reported a 260 percent week-on-week increase in flight searches from London to Shanghai after the announcement. Airlines are already evaluating capacity adds for the summer 2026 timetable.
Global-mobility managers should update immigration matrices and employee-handbooks to reflect the exemption but remind staff that the waiver does not confer work authorisation; separate Z- or R-visas remain mandatory for compensated activities.
