Visa-free travel to China for Canadians coming soon: Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled a new Canada-China partnership on Friday (Jan. 16), signalling a significant shift in bilateral relations.

Following nearly a decade without a Canadian prime ministerial visit to Beijing, Carney announced that Canadian citizens will soon be able to travel to China visa-free.

The PM’s visit emphasized fast-tracking collaboration in energy, agricultural trade, security, and innovation, and speaking to reporters, Carney confirmed a breakthrough on the issue of mobility between the two countries.

“I’m very pleased to share that President Xi in our meeting today has committed to ensuring visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China,” Carney told reporters.

The plan is also confirmed in a statement posted to the Government of Canada’s website.

Strengthening connections

Carney presented the initiative as a step toward strengthening connections between the people of Canada and China.

“People have always been at the core of this relationship,” he said, noting the depth of existing ties.

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.”

No start date has been set, but once implemented, Canada will join 45 countries and territories whose citizens can stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa until Dec. 31, 2026.

Cultural exchanges

Canada and China also 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 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.

“At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples,” he said. “By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations.”

China is the second-largest single-country trading partner to Canada, totalling $118.9 billion in two-way merchandise trade in 2024. Canadian merchandise exports to China were $30 billion, while merchandise imports were $88.9 billion.

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