Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday, February 16, 2026, that Canada is actively "renewing" its relationship with China following Beijing's decision to implement visa-free travel for Canadian citizens. The policy, effective immediately from February 17, 2026, allows ordinary passport holders from Canada to enter China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days, covering purposes such as tourism, business, family visits, exchanges, and transit.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Prime Minister Carney described the move as a concrete outcome of the new strategic partnership between the two countries. “We’re renewing Canada’s relationship with China. As part of our new strategic partnership, China is granting visa-free travel for Canadians,” he wrote, framing it as a tangible sign of improving bilateral engagement after years of strained relations.
China's Foreign Ministry confirmed the policy on Sunday, February 15, 2026, stating: “To further facilitate cross-border travel, China decides to, starting from February 17, 2026, extend its visa waiver policy to ordinary passport holders from Canada and the UK.” The measure applies equally to the United Kingdom and will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, unless extended further. This brings the total number of countries eligible for China's unilateral visa-free program to around 79, as part of Beijing's broader efforts to revive international tourism, business exchanges, and people-to-people connections post-COVID-19.
The visa waiver eliminates the previous requirements for Canadians, which included a lengthy application process and fees of approximately $140 CAD. Travelers now need only a valid passport (typically valid for at least six months beyond entry) and, in most cases, proof of onward or return travel. The policy does not apply to diplomatic, official, or special passports, nor does it cover work, study, or stays exceeding 30 days—those still require visas.
The announcement follows Prime Minister Carney's official visit to Beijing in January 2026, his first as leader, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the talks, Carney welcomed Xi's commitment to introducing visa-free access for Canadians, as noted in an official readout from the Prime Minister's Office. The visit focused on resetting ties amid past tensions over issues like trade disputes, human rights concerns, and the 2018-2021 detention of Canadians Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor.
Canada's Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed the positive sentiment on X, stating that the change is “making travel easier, supporting business exchanges, and strengthening people-to-people ties between our countries.”
The visa-free policy coincides with other economic gestures in the renewed engagement. Recent negotiations have included agreements allowing increased imports of Chinese electric vehicles into Canada in exchange for tariff reductions on Canadian agricultural exports, such as canola seeds. These steps reflect a pragmatic approach to stabilizing relations and diversifying trade opportunities.
The development has been welcomed by travel industry stakeholders, who anticipate a boost in Canadian tourism to China, particularly during peak seasons. It also aligns with China's ongoing expansion of visa waivers to Western nations, aimed at stimulating economic recovery in sectors hit hard by the pandemic.
While the move signals a thaw, analysts note that underlying challenges—such as differing views on global trade rules, security concerns, and human rights—persist. Nonetheless, the visa policy represents an immediate, practical benefit for ordinary citizens and businesses seeking easier cross-border mobility.
Canadian travelers are advised to check official sources, including the Government of Canada's travel advisories and China's embassy guidelines, for any updates or additional entry requirements, such as health declarations or onward ticket proofs.
This policy shift marks a notable milestone in Canada-China relations under Prime Minister Carney's leadership, emphasizing mutual interests in facilitating exchanges while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.
