China has confirmed that citizens from the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to travel to China without a visa starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The announcement was made by China’s foreign ministry on Sunday. The visa-free policy will remain in place until December 31, 2026.
What the New Policy Means
Under the new rule, holders of ordinary passports from the UK and Canada can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. This applies to travel for:
Business
Tourism
Visiting family and friends
Cultural and educational exchanges
Transit through China
The Chinese government said the move is meant to “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges” between China and other countries.
Leaders’ Visits to Beijing
The agreement follows official visits to Beijing in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
During their trips, both leaders met with senior Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping. The meetings focused on improving relations between their countries and China. One of the key outcomes discussed was easier travel for citizens.
Both prime ministers welcomed the progress made during the talks, especially at a time when global relations are shifting and countries are looking to strengthen international partnerships.
Strengthening Ties
The visa-free arrangement is seen as a step toward improving diplomatic and economic ties between China, the UK, and Canada. It is also expected to boost tourism, business travel, and cultural exchange.
Travel experts say the move could increase the number of visitors to China in 2026, especially as international travel continues to recover.
More details about entry requirements and specific travel guidelines are expected to be shared by Chinese authorities in the coming days.
