CHINA. The Chinese government is set to extend its visa-free scheme to visitors from Canada and the UK, effective 17 February, offering a fresh boost to tourism and travel retail.
The policy update was confirmed by a Foreign Ministry spokesperson yesterday (15 February).
The Foreign Ministry said, “To further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, China has decided to implement a visa-free policy for holders of ordinary passports from Canada and the United Kingdom, effective 17 February.
“Holders of ordinary passports from these countries may enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, or transit for a period not exceeding 30 days. This visa-free policy will be in effect until 31 December.”
As reported, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in November the resumption of outbound group travel to Canada.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the decision follows a comprehensive review of travel demand, the tourism environment, and other factors, allowing travel agencies to restart group tour operations.
The move was made after Chinese President Xi Jinping’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea on 31 October 2025.
China has previously extended its visa-free entry scheme for citizens of France and other countries until 31 December as part of its commitment to high-level opening up and travel facilitation. ✈
