Canada and the People’s Republic of China have taken a major step to make travel between the two countries easier. Beginning February 17, 2026, Canadian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter mainland China without a visa for short-term stays of up to 30 days. This visa-free arrangement is part of China’s unilateral visa exemption policy and will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
What the Visa-Free Policy Actually Is
Under the new policy:
- Who it applies to: Canadian citizens with valid ordinary passports (not special government or diplomatic passports).
- Duration: Up to 30 days per visit.
- Purpose: Includes tourism, business travel, visiting family or friends, academic exchanges, and transitthrough China.
- Effective dates: February 17, 2026 – December 31, 2026 (based on China Standard Time).
- What’s not covered: Longer stays (over 30 days), work, study, or journalism still require the appropriate Chinese visa before departure.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publicly confirmed this policy, noting it is meant to “further facilitate the travel between China and foreign nationals.”
How Canada’s Government Frames It
Canada’s official travel advice — updated by Government of Canada travel services — still lists China as requiring visas for most visitors for tourism, business, study, or work. However, it notes that Canadians may qualify for other types of visa-free entry, such as the newly announced 30-day visa-free program.
Before this change, Canadians generally needed to apply to a Visa Application Service Centre or the Chinese Embassy for approval — a process that involved an application fee and waiting period. The new process removes that step entirely for short stays.
How the Policy Fits Into China’s Broader Visa Rules
China operates multiple visa-free and transit policies for foreign visitors:
- A 240-hour transit visa exemption is available at select airports and is unrelated to this new policy, letting people from some countries stay temporarily while moving to a third country.
- Prior to February 17, 2026, Canadians were not included in China’s main 15-day short-stay visa waiver; this new policy specifically creates the 30-day exemption.
The 2026 update also brings Canada in line with other countries already on China’s visa-free list, such as many European states and nearby partners.
What This Means for Canadian Travellers
Simpler Travel:
Canadians planning short trips to China for tourism, business negotiations, or family visits won’t need to file visa paperwork.
Faster Planning:
Last-minute or flexible travel plans become easier because there’s no visa processing wait.
Cost Savings:
There’s no application fee or service fee related to the visa itself, which previously could add to travel expenses.
Important to Remember:
The exemption doesn’t apply after 2026, unless the policy is renewed or made permanent. Visitors planning longer stays — for work, studies, internships, or extended family visits — still must obtain the appropriate visa before travel.
What Canadians Should Do Before Travelling
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure your Canadian passport is valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in China.
- Confirm Entry Requirements: Since policies may update after 2026, review the latest travel advice from the Government of Canada before booking.
- Have Supporting Documents: While a visa isn’t required under this program, border officials may ask for proof of return tickets, accommodation details, or the purpose of your visit.
- Know the Limits: If you need to stay longer than 30 days, apply for the appropriate visa type at a Chinese embassy or consulate before departure.
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