China visa-free entry for UK and Canadian travellers
China confirms Visa free entry for UK and Canadian Travellers. Tourists from United Kingdom and Canada can enter China without a visa.
Starting on February 17, passport holders from the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.
This move will increase inbound business and tourism travel.
China’s foreign ministry announced the policy, which permits qualified Tourists to go to mainland China for business, pleasure, or to visit relatives.
The initial term of the agreement is December 31.
China Border Control and Immigration
Following years of stricter border controls, the decision is likely to boost international travel by bringing the UK and Canada into line with over 50 nations that currently have visa-free entry, including Australia, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan.
The move breaks a long-standing barrier for short-term tourists, which could lead to a resurgence of demand in the leisure, corporate, and MICE areas of the travel industry.
Official figures show that over 620,000 UK citizens visited China in 2024, demonstrating the country’s high level of pent-up interest.
As part of larger efforts to deepen economic connections, particularly in the areas of services, healthcare, green technology, and finance, both governments agreed to relax travel restrictions during UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to China last month.
China’s foreign ministry stated that the plan would “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges,” indicating a sustained effort to boost foreign business and inbound travel.
Industry participants have hailed the strategy as a pragmatic move to reestablish connectivity, but it has also come under political scrutiny in the UK as part of broader discussions about ties with Beijing.
It is anticipated that the visa waiver will make it easier for clients to plan their trips and may lead to a resurgence of China itineraries as the Northern Hemisphere travel season approaches.
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