China Introduces Visa-Free Travel for UK and Canadian Citizens
Starting , citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to travel to mainland China for up to 30 days without a visa, China’s foreign ministry announced on Sunday. The policy, which is initially set to remain in effect until , applies to those traveling for tourism, business, or visits to family and friends, as well as for transit purposes.
The move significantly eases travel restrictions for citizens of both nations and brings them in line with rules already in place for passport holders from 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia, and Japan. According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 620,000 British people traveled to China in 2024, suggesting a substantial potential benefit from the new visa-free regime.
The announcement follows a visit to China last month by UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to relax travel rules. Starmer reportedly stated that the agreement would facilitate expansion for British businesses operating in China. The Chinese foreign ministry stated the policy would “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries.”
The visa-free policy is being implemented unilaterally by China, requiring no reciprocal arrangements from the UK or Canada. Travelers will not be required to make appointments, submit materials, undergo review processes, or meet any conditions beyond holding an ordinary passport from either country. The policy is described as a “pack your bags and go” approach.
While the easing of travel restrictions has been welcomed by business groups hoping to increase trade and investment, some observers have raised concerns about the timing of the announcement and its potential implications for national security and human rights. Critics suggest that the UK government’s efforts to reset relations with Beijing may overlook these important considerations.
During his January visit, Xi and Starmer also discussed deepening trade relations in key sectors such as services, healthcare, green technology, and finance. However, no comprehensive free trade agreement was announced. This was the first visit by a British prime minister to China since Theresa May’s trip in 2018.
Individuals who do not meet the criteria for visa-free entry – for example, those intending to stay longer than 30 days or traveling for purposes other than tourism, business, family visits, or transit – will still be required to obtain a visa before entering China. Further details and frequently asked questions regarding the visa-free entry policy are available on the website of the Chinese embassy in Canada.
Contact information for Chinese embassies and consulates in Canada is as follows:
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada: +1-613-4550117, ottawa@csm.mfa.gov.cn
- Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto: +1-437-3612299, toronto_visa@csm.mfa.gov.cn
- Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver: +1-604-4160040, vancouver@csm.mfa.gov.cn
- Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary: +1-403-5376905, calgary@csm.mfa.gov.cn
- Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal: +1-514-2418930, mtl@csm.mfa.gov.cn
