China has added the U.K. and Canada to its visa-free programme, raising the total to 79 countries as Beijing seeks to boost tourism and business. Qualifying visitors may stay up to 30 days, while a small group of countries — including the U.S. and Indonesia — receive 10-day transit exemptions. The expansion follows recent visits by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; most arrangements currently run until year-end but have been extended before.
China Adds U.K. and Canada to Visa-Free Program — Total Now 79
Tourists visit a snow-covered Forbidden City in Beijing, China, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
British and Canadian citizens will be allowed to enter China without a visa starting Tuesday, bringing the total number of countries on Beijing's visa-free list to 79. The move is part of efforts to revive tourism and business travel after years of tighter restrictions.
What Changed
China has broadened eligibility for its visa-free scheme over the past two years. Under the current rules, qualifying visitors may stay for up to 30 days for business, tourism, exchange programmes or to visit family and friends.
Who Qualifies
Most European countries are already covered, along with selected nations in Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. A small group of countries — notably the United States and Indonesia — are eligible only for a 10-day transit exemption when travellers hold onward tickets to a different country than the one they arrived from.
Traveler Guidance
Business executives and leisure travellers have broadly welcomed the extension, saying it simplifies a visa application process that many find cumbersome. Travellers should still check the latest entry rules, passport validity requirements and any public health or customs regulations before booking travel.
Background
The decision to include the U.K. and Canada follows recent visits to China by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, both of whom have sought to revive bilateral ties. Most of the visa-free arrangements are scheduled to expire at the end of this year, although Beijing has extended the policy in the past and could do so again.
Bottom line: Short-term stays for business and tourism are now easier for citizens of the U.K. and Canada, but travellers should confirm dates and entry conditions before travel.
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