China 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for UK and Canadian Passport Holders (2026)
Yes. China granted ordinary UK and Canadian passport holders 30-day visa-free entry from February 17, 2026 through December 31, 2026. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the policy on February 15, 2026, bringing the total list of eligible countries to 79. Allowed purposes are tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchange, and transit. Each entry permits a stay of up to 30 days, counted from 00:00 the day after arrival, with multiple entries allowed during the pilot window.
Bring an ordinary passport valid for at least 6 months and a confirmed onward or return ticket within 30 days. Border officers can ask to see proof of accommodation. Diplomatic, official, and emergency passports still need a visa. If you plan to study, work, or stay longer than 30 days, apply for the matching visa class before departure.
One thing to plan for: register your address with the local police within 24 hours of arrival, or have your hotel do it at check-in. Skip this and you risk a fine on departure. The 30-day clock is per entry, not cumulative, so a quick hop to Hong Kong or Bangkok and re-entry resets it.
- 30-day visa-free entry runs February 17 to December 31, 2026 for UK and Canadian ordinary passports.
- Bring a passport valid 6+ months, confirmed onward ticket within 30 days, and hotel address proof.
- Allowed purposes: tourism, business, family visits, exchange, transit; not work or study.
- Register at the local police within 24 hours of arrival, or have your hotel do it at check-in.
- Multiple entries allowed; each stay capped at 30 days, counted from the day after arrival.
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