China Reopens Borders to UK & Canada: Visa-Free Travel Confirmed

Mainland China will allow citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada to enter the country without a visa for up to 30 days, beginning February 17, 2026. The policy, confirmed by China’s foreign ministry on Sunday, February 15, 2026, will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

The visa-free entry applies to visits for tourism, business, and visits to family and friends, according to the ministry’s announcement. This move brings the UK and Canada in line with approximately 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan, which already have similar agreements with China.

The decision follows a visit to China by British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in January, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to relax travel rules. Starmer stated that the agreement would facilitate expansion for British businesses operating in China. Approximately 620,000 British nationals travelled to China in 2024, according to the Office for National Statistics, suggesting a significant potential benefit from the eased restrictions.

Beijing framed the policy change as a means to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, as stated by the foreign ministry. The move comes amid broader efforts to deepen trade relations between the UK and China in sectors such as services, healthcare, green technology, and finance, though a comprehensive free trade agreement was not announced during Starmer’s visit.

The easing of travel restrictions represents a notable shift in diplomatic relations. Starmer’s visit to China was the first by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018. However, the push to reset relations with Beijing has faced criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about human rights and national security issues.

Alongside the visa-free travel announcement, both leaders discussed deepening trade ties. While a sweeping trade agreement wasn’t reached, the discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas. The Prime Ministers of both the UK and Canada, Keir Starmer and Mark Carney, visited Beijing in January seeking to increase trade and bolster relations with China amid increasing tariffs from the United States.

The policy change is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of British citizens. The move also reflects China’s broader strategy of attracting foreign investment and tourism as it navigates a complex global economic landscape. The confirmation of the policy follows diplomatic engagements and agreements reached between national leaders to facilitate cross-border travel.

While the visa-free policy offers increased convenience for travellers, it’s important to note that access to certain regions within China may still be restricted. Reports indicate that foreigners are not permitted to visit sensitive areas of Xinjiang, even with a valid visa or travel permit.

The Chinese Foreign Minister confirmed the agreements on Sunday, specifying that citizens of the UK and Canada will be able to travel throughout China without a visa for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, or transit, provided their stay does not exceed 30 days.