China Visa-Free Entry for UK and Canadian Passport Holders (2026)
No, not for short trips. As of 00:00 on 17 February 2026, ordinary UK and Canadian passport holders may enter mainland China visa-free for stays up to 30 days per entry. The policy was announced by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the Starmer-Xi and Carney-Xi summits in late January 2026 and runs through 31 December 2026. Allowed purposes are tourism, business, visiting family or friends, cultural exchange, and transit. Multiple entries are allowed in the year, but each stay must not exceed 30 days. You still need a visa if you plan to work, study for a degree, take up residence, or stay over 30 days on any single entry — and the visa-free entry cannot be extended once you arrive. Practical requirements: passport valid 6 months beyond entry, a return or onward ticket, and the standard health-declaration QR code submitted before boarding. Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems and were not affected by this policy. The 2026 program is unilateral, so China can revise it; verify the current end date on the Chinese embassy site for your country before booking a 2027 trip. Renewals beyond 2026 are not yet announced.
- UK and Canadian passport holders enter mainland China visa-free for 30 days per entry from 17 February through 31 December 2026.
- Allowed purposes are tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit; work and study still need a visa.
- The 30-day stay cannot be extended in country; for longer stays, apply for a visa at a Chinese visa center before flying.
- Passport must be valid 6+ months beyond entry; carry a return or onward ticket and submit the health-declaration QR before boarding.
- Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems and are not affected; their existing rules continue to apply.
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