Canadians will get visa-free travel to China under a new deal, i.e., Canadians will soon be able to travel to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) without a visa, according to statements made by Prime Minister Mark Carney during a news conference in Beijing on January 16.

As of now, Canada has not yet been officially added to China’s list of visa-exempt countries, and the full rules of the visa-free travel policy have not been announced.

The announcement of expanded visa-free travel marks an important step in Canada–China relations. It comes during Prime Minister Carney’s recent visit to China and reflects growing cooperation between the two countries.

As part of the discussions, Carney also mentioned future opportunities for stronger collaboration between Canadian and Chinese creatives. More information about the agreement and travel rules is expected in the coming weeks or months.

What Will Canadian Travelers Be Able To Do In China Under The New Agreement?

Although the exact terms are not yet confirmed, if Canada joins China’s existing visa-free travel program, Canadian travelers in China would be able to

  • Travel for leisure
  • Attend business meetings and events (such as conferences or trade fairs)
  • Visit family or friends
  • Participate in short exchange activities
  • Transit through China within the permitted stay period

Under these terms, Canadian travelers would not be able to

  • Take up paid employment or other work that normally requires a work visa or residence permit
  • Enroll in long-term or degree programs
  • Stay in China beyond 30 days without proper authorization

The Current State Of Canadian Travel To China

Even before this new policy, Canadian travelers already benefit from some visa-free travel options in China, including

  • The ability to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 240 hours (10 days) when transiting through the country to a third destination, if entering through select ports of entry
  • The ability to enter China without a visa and stay for up to 30 days when visiting Hainan province, for purposes such as tourism, business visits, family visits, and medical treatment

These existing travel options are expected to remain in place once the new visa-free travel agreement takes effect.

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