Overview
- The waiver takes effect on February 17 and runs until December 31, 2026, allowing stays up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit.
- Canada’s foreign minister Anita Anand confirmed the change, which removes a lengthy application process and roughly $140 in fees for many Canadian travelers.
- With the UK and Canada added, China’s visa-free list expands to roughly 79 countries as part of efforts to boost inbound travel and commerce.
- The United States remains outside full visa-free entry among Five Eyes members, while India was not included and continues to use China’s online visa application system launched in December 2025.
- Beijing’s move comes after visits by Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Mark Carney, which included broader talks on trade and economic cooperation.