Beijing announced today, February 16, 2026, that citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be granted visa-free entry to China starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The move expands the number of countries with visa-free access to China to 79, as the nation seeks to stimulate both tourism and business engagement.
The policy allows holders of ordinary passports from the U.K. And Canada to enter China for stays of up to 30 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, and exchange programs. The decision follows recent visits to Beijing by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening ties with China, according to statements released by Beijing’s foreign ministry.
China has been steadily expanding its visa-free access program over the past two years. Currently, most European nations qualify for visa-free entry, alongside select countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Citizens of the United States and Indonesia are also permitted entry for up to 10 days under transit conditions – requiring proof of onward travel to a destination outside of China.
Business leaders and travel industry representatives have consistently highlighted the complexities of the Chinese visa application process as a deterrent to travel. The easing of restrictions is expected to be welcomed by both sectors. The visa-free arrangement for the U.K. And Canada is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, though officials have indicated a willingness to extend the policy in the future, as has been the case with previous iterations of the program.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated the decision to grant visa-free access is intended to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries.” The move coincides with the Lunar Latest Year travel period, a traditionally busy time for both domestic and international tourism.
