China Drops Visa Requirements for Canadian Tourists After Carney Visit

China will remove visa requirements for Canadian tourists and business visitors starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026, a move confirmed by the Chinese Foreign Ministry. The policy will allow Canadians to enter mainland China for stays of up to 30 days without a visa, lasting at least until the conclude of the year. The decision follows a commitment reportedly made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Beijing last month. Whereas the Chinese government did not formally confirm the visa-free access at the time, Carney publicly stated that Xi had agreed to the measure. Currently, Canadian tourists typically face a lengthy application process and fees of approximately $140 CAD to obtain a visa for mainland China. The change aims to boost tourism to China following the COVID-19 pandemic, a strategy Beijing has also extended to other Western nations. China had previously maintained visa restrictions for Canadians and limited the number of Chinese tour groups visiting Canada during a period of diplomatic tension between the two countries. The easing of visa requirements signals a warming of relations, as Canada and China work to rebuild ties. The move comes as China seeks to attract more international visitors, mirroring similar visa-free policies implemented for citizens of other countries in recent years. The Canadian government has not yet released an official statement responding to China’s announcement.