Canada to get visa-free access to China, Prime Minister Carney confirms

Canadian citizens will soon be able to visit China for up to 30 days without a visa

Canadian citizens will soon be able to travel to China without a visa. Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed the news on January 16, 2026, following a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

"I'm very pleased to share that President Xi in our meeting today has committed to ensuring visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China," Carney told reporters.

No specific start date has been announced. Once implemented, Canada will join 45 countries and territories whose citizens can visit China for up to 30 days without a visa through December 31, 2026.

A shift in Canada-China relations

The announcement comes during the first Canadian prime ministerial visit to Beijing in nearly a decade. The trip was described as "historic" as both countries look to rebuild political and economic ties after years of strained relations.

Carney framed the visa exemption as part of a broader effort to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations. In a statement published on the Prime Minister of Canada's website, he said: "At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples. By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations."

The Prime Minister also highlighted opportunities for cultural exchange: "That means museums, digital content creators, visual artists, and other creative professionals in our respective countries will have new opportunities to collaborate."

Building on recent progress

The visa-free commitment follows Beijing's recent decision to restore Canada as an approved destination for Chinese group travel.

"We are building on this progress, looking to increase travel exchange and deepen our cultural ties," Carney said.

The two leaders also discussed partnerships in energy, agricultural trade, security, and innovation as part of what Carney called "a new strategic partnership."

What this means for Canadian travelers

Once the visa exemption takes effect, Canadians will be able to visit China for tourism, business, or family visits for up to 30 days without applying for a visa in advance.

However, all travelers to China, including those eligible for visa-free entry, must complete the China Arrival Card before their trip. This is a mandatory immigration and customs form required for entry.

For stays longer than 30 days or for purposes such as work or study, Canadian travelers will still need to apply for the appropriate Chinese visa.

We will update this article when Chinese authorities announce the start date for the visa exemption.

Learn more about the China Arrival Card