China confirms visa-free access for Canadian visitors from Feb. 17

Canadian nationals will be able to travel to mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa starting this Tuesday (Feb. 17), officials confirmed Sunday (Feb. 15).

China’s foreign ministry said visa-free entry would be allowed for tourism, business, or visits to family and friends, with the policy initially in effect until Dec. 31.

It follows Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing last month. As reported, the PM’s visit emphasized fast-tracking collaboration in energy, agricultural trade, security, innovation and mobility between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters at the time, Carney described the initiative as a step toward strengthening connections between the people of Canada and China.

Carney also highlighted the Chinese diaspora and tourism: “Canada’s home to a Chinese diaspora of two million. Over 300,000 Chinese visitors came to Canada in 2024. China is Canada’s second largest source of tourism,” he said.

According to a statement on the Government of Canada’s website, Canada and China plan to explore further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships, including supporting museums, digital content creators, visual artists, to increase travel exchanges and cultural ties.

Prime Minister Carney has also welcomed the agreement between Destination Canada and China Media Group to facilitate further outbound tourism to Canada, especially as it prepares to co-host the FIFA World Cup 26.

China's new visa-free travel policy brings both Canada and UK passport holders into line with 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan.

China is the second-largest single-country trading partner to Canada, totalling $118.9 billion in two-way merchandise trade in 2024.

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