China has announced that it is extending visa-free entry for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, a move officials say is designed to boost travel, business and people-to-people exchanges.
Under the new arrangement, British and Canadian passport holders can enter China for short stays without a visa for tourism or business. The details of the extension — including how long the visa-free stay is permitted and which ports of entry it covers — were outlined by Chinese authorities this week, but full implementation rules are still being finalised.
Beijing said the policy reflects efforts to strengthen ties with Western partners and recover international travel after years of pandemic-related restrictions. Officials in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as part of a broader push to make travel more convenient and predictable for foreign visitors.
British and Canadian diplomats welcomed the announcement in general terms, noting that visa barriers have long been cited by travellers and companies as a limitation on travel and commercial engagement. They stressed that implementation details and effective dates matter for citizens planning trips.
The extension follows similar moves by several countries in recent months aimed at supporting tourism and international business traffic. China has gradually relaxed pandemic travel rules since early 2023 and has been expanding bilateral arrangements that simplify entry requirements.
Industry groups in both the UK and Canada said they expect the change to encourage more visitors to China and help airlines and travel companies recover fully from downturns in international bookings.
The announcement comes amid broader diplomatic and economic talks between Beijing and Western capitals on trade, investment and regional issues. Some analysts say eased travel rules can help underpin wider cooperation even when political differences exist on other fronts.
Officials from the British and Canadian governments said they remain in regular contact with Chinese counterparts to sort out the technical and operational aspects of the new visa-free regime so that travellers can use it smoothly once it takes effect.
Specific start dates, permitted stay durations and other entry conditions are expected to be published by China’s immigration authorities in the days ahead.