China has announced that Canadian and British citizens can enter the country visa-free starting Tuesday, February 17, 2026, following agreements made during high-level visits by leaders of both nations.

The announcement comes after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Beijing in January to strengthen diplomatic ties and explore opportunities beyond the United States. During these visits, both leaders engaged with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials, highlighting agreements on visa-free travel among key discussions.

According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new policy allows holders of ordinary Canadian and UK passports to enter China without a visa for up to 30 days. Eligible purposes include tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, cultural exchanges, and transit. The visa-free arrangement will remain in effect until December 31, 2026.

“This initiative aims to promote people-to-people exchanges between China and international partners, fostering closer cooperation and travel,” the ministry stated.

With this policy, travelers from Canada and the UK can plan short-term trips to China more easily, boosting opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural engagement.