Not anymore!
Since February 17, 2026, Canadian citizens holding ordinary passports can travel to China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family or friends, exchanges, and transit. The current visa-free policy is in effect until December 31, 2026.
This is exciting news for Canadians who may have been discouraged from visiting China by the time, cost, and paperwork involved in obtaining a Chinese visa.
The change comes amid a significant improvement in Canada-China relations following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to Beijing in January 2026, where Canada and China agreed to establish a new strategic partnership and strengthen cooperation in several areas, including trade and people-to-people ties.
For Canadian travellers, this represents a dramatic departure from the visa requirements that applied in the past. For eligible short-term visits, Canadians can now travel to China without going through the traditional visa application process.
What about 2027? The current arrangement expires on December 31, 2026. China has not yet announced whether it will be extended, but an extension or renewal remains possible. Canadians planning a trip to China next year will therefore want to keep an eye on any further announcements.
Disclaimer: The possibility of extending the visa-free arrangement beyond December 31, 2026 is speculative. Travellers planning a trip to China in 2027 should confirm the applicable entry and visa requirements before making their travel arrangements.
