China Grants Visa-Free Entry to UK, Canadian Citizens from Feb 17

China has confirmed that citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to travel to the country without visas starting Tuesday, February 17.

The announcement follows official visits to Beijing in January by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who both met with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.

According to China’s foreign ministry, holders of ordinary passports from the two countries can enter visa-free for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchanges, or transit for stays of up to 30 days. The policy will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

Beijing said the move is intended to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges” and improve relations with the two Western nations.

The visa waiver is seen as part of broader diplomatic engagement efforts following the recent high-level visits, which both leaders described as productive in advancing cooperation with China.