China has confirmed that citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom will be allowed to enter the country visa-free starting Tuesday, February 17.
The announcement follows high-level visits by the leaders of both nations to Beijing earlier this year.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other senior officials in January to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties, signaling a strategic pivot from an increasingly unpredictable relationship with the United States.
Following these meetings, both leaders praised the progress made, particularly on issues including visa-free travel for their citizens. Beijing’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the agreements on Sunday, noting that the new policy will remain in effect until December 31.
According to the ministry, holders of ordinary Canadian and British passports can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, exchanges, or transit.
The ministry added that the move aims to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries,” reflecting Beijing’s broader efforts to encourage international travel and cultural engagement.
This visa-free access marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and is expected to boost tourism, business, and academic exchanges between the nations.
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