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China Introduces 30-Day Visa-Free Travel for UK and Canadian Citizens Starting February 2026

February 19, 2026 5:03 am

China Introduces 30-Day Visa-Free Travel for UK and Canadian Citizens Starting February 2026

In an exciting development, China is set to welcome citizens from the UK and Canada with a new visa-free travel policy beginning February 17, 2026. This initiative will enable passport holders from both countries to visit China without a visa for up to 30 days, enhancing tourism and business connections.

Key Details of the Visa Policy

Starting from February 17 to December 31, 2026, British and Canadian citizens can enjoy visa-free entry to China for stays up to 30 days. This new policy covers various travel purposes, including:

Tourism
Business meetings
Family visits
Cultural and academic exchanges
Transit stops

This update follows significant diplomatic engagements between Beijing, London, and Ottawa, reflecting an improvement in travel relations. With these changes, China now offers visa-free access to 79 countries, reinforcing its position as a global tourism destination.

Benefits of Visa-Free Travel

This new policy simplifies travel considerably. Previously burdensome visa applications involving lengthy forms and consulate visits will no longer hinder UK and Canadian travelers. By removing these barriers, spontaneous travel becomes much easier. Potential advantages include:

Short visits to vibrant cities
Opportunities for business in major hubs like Shanghai and Shenzhen
Family reunions across borders
Access to emerging markets for investors

Moreover, this freedom encourages exploration beyond China’s major cities. Travelers can now venture into secondary economic centers and rural destinations without the constraints of visa deadlines.

China’s Strategic Aims

This initiative is part of China’s broader strategy to restore its inbound tourism to pre-pandemic levels. While international arrivals are recovering, progress remains gradual. By eliminating visa restrictions, Beijing aims to streamline travel for both tourists and business professionals.

China’s Rising Global Mobility

As China’s global mobility improves, it has climbed to 56th place in the Henley Passport Index, offering access to approximately 82-85 nations either visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. In comparison, India ranks 75th with access to only 56 places. The disparity highlights a growing mobility gap, as Chinese passport holders can now visit significantly more countries than their Indian counterparts.

Recent agreements with countries like Malaysia and the Solomon Islands have further broadened China’s travel reach. These visa arrangements not only bolster tourism and business exchanges but also enhance China’s global influence.

What Travelers Need to Know

For citizens of the UK and Canada planning to travel to China after February 2026, this new policy makes things straightforward:

Enjoy entry without a visa
Stay for up to 30 days
Travel for various purposes, including tourism and business

However, travelers should note that this visa-free policy is currently effective only until December 31, 2026. Those planning year-end trips should stay informed about potential extensions.

Conclusion

This major policy shift marks a significant change in China’s approach to international travel. It showcases the country’s commitment to revitalizing tourism and fostering closer international relationships through simplified travel. For frequent travelers, this is indeed a positive step forward, signifying China’s strategic reopening to the world.