In a fresh sign of China’s post-pandemic reopening, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that travellers holding ordinary passports from the United Kingdom and Canada can now enter China visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. The measure, which took effect on 17 February but was formally publicised on 23 February, extends the unilateral visa-exemption scheme that already covers most of Europe, large parts of Latin America and all ASEAN member states.
According to officials, the waiver applies to tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural exchanges and in-transit stop-overs. Multiple entries are permitted during the pilot period (currently scheduled to run until 31 December 2026) provided each stay does not exceed 30 days. Travellers must hold passports valid for at least six months and present confirmed onward or return tickets when requested.
![China Adds UK and Canada to 30-Day Visa-Free List, Bringing Total to 50 Countries]()
For travellers or mobility managers who still prefer expert assistance with China’s evolving entry rules, VisaHQ can help. Its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides real-time guidance, can arrange traditional visas for trips exceeding 30 days, and handles ancillary services such as work-permit filings—making compliance straightforward even under a visa-free regime.
For multinationals the change removes a significant administrative hurdle. The UK remains the largest European investor in China’s services sector, while Canada is home to one of the world’s largest overseas Chinese business communities. HR and global-mobility teams will be able to assign staff to China on short notice without waiting for letter-of-invitation approvals or embassy appointments, a process that typically takes two to four weeks. Airlines are also adjusting schedules: British Airways plans to restore a second daily London–Shanghai service from April, and Air Canada is evaluating an extra Vancouver–Beijing rotation over the summer.
Practically, companies should still keep compliance basics in mind. Payroll tax filings are triggered on day 1 for work performed in China, even on a visa-free entry, and social-security exemptions must be documented. Frequent travellers should also track cumulative days on the ground: once an assignee spends 183 days in China in any 12-month period, full individual income-tax residency kicks in. Finally, the waiver does not replace a work permit; anyone taking up a local contract must obtain a Z-class visa and a Foreigner’s Work Permit before starting employment.
According to officials, the waiver applies to tourism, business meetings, family visits, cultural exchanges and in-transit stop-overs. Multiple entries are permitted during the pilot period (currently scheduled to run until 31 December 2026) provided each stay does not exceed 30 days. Travellers must hold passports valid for at least six months and present confirmed onward or return tickets when requested.
For travellers or mobility managers who still prefer expert assistance with China’s evolving entry rules, VisaHQ can help. Its dedicated China portal (https://www.visahq.com/china/) provides real-time guidance, can arrange traditional visas for trips exceeding 30 days, and handles ancillary services such as work-permit filings—making compliance straightforward even under a visa-free regime.
For multinationals the change removes a significant administrative hurdle. The UK remains the largest European investor in China’s services sector, while Canada is home to one of the world’s largest overseas Chinese business communities. HR and global-mobility teams will be able to assign staff to China on short notice without waiting for letter-of-invitation approvals or embassy appointments, a process that typically takes two to four weeks. Airlines are also adjusting schedules: British Airways plans to restore a second daily London–Shanghai service from April, and Air Canada is evaluating an extra Vancouver–Beijing rotation over the summer.
Practically, companies should still keep compliance basics in mind. Payroll tax filings are triggered on day 1 for work performed in China, even on a visa-free entry, and social-security exemptions must be documented. Frequent travellers should also track cumulative days on the ground: once an assignee spends 183 days in China in any 12-month period, full individual income-tax residency kicks in. Finally, the waiver does not replace a work permit; anyone taking up a local contract must obtain a Z-class visa and a Foreigner’s Work Permit before starting employment.
