China Announces Visa-Free Entry for UK and Canada Citizens
China has announced visa-free entry for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, effective Tuesday, February 17, 2026, as part of measures to facilitate international travel and strengthen bilateral exchanges.
This decision, confirmed on Sunday by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, follows earlier announcements by British and Canadian officials after recent official visits to Beijing.
According to the official statement, holders of ordinary passports from these two countries will be able to enter Chinese territory without a prior visa for stays not exceeding 30 days, for various purposes including business travel, tourism, family or friendly visits, cultural exchanges, and transit (stopovers).
The Chinese authorities have specified that this visa exemption measure will be in effect until December 31, 2026, without excluding the possibility of a reevaluation or extension later, depending on its impact and the evolution of diplomatic relations.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by China to stimulate international tourism, facilitate economic and human exchanges, and enhance its attractiveness after years of pandemic-related restrictions. It also reflects Beijing's willingness to consolidate its relations with Western countries through concrete mobility measures.
For British and Canadian travelers, this exemption represents a significant simplification of entry procedures, reducing delays and costs associated with consular formalities, while promoting a resurgence of tourist and professional flows to China.
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