China has granted visa-free entry to citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, expanding its list of eligible countries to 79 as Beijing looks to revive tourism and business ties, according to the Associated Press.
Starting Tuesday, travelers from both countries can stay in China for up to 30 days for tourism, business, exchange programs, or family visits.
The move follows visits to Beijing last month by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, as both governments seek to reset relations after years of strain.
China is granting visa-free entry to citizens of the U.K. and Canada starting Feb. 17, expanding its visa-waiver program to 50 nations following a series of high-level diplomatic visits https://t.co/avd9khkDD5
— Caixin Global (@caixin) February 16, 2026
China has sharply expanded visa-free access over the past two years, with most European nations now included, along with select countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Travelers from the United States remain excluded from full visa-free entry but are allowed short stays under transit rules.
The policy is widely seen as an effort by Beijing to stimulate economic activity amid slowing growth. For most countries, the visa-free program is set to expire at the end of the year but has been extended before.
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TIPP Staff
TIPP Staff
