China will allow UK and Canadian passport holders to enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days from February 17, the BBC reported, citing China’s foreign ministry.
According to the report, the visa exemption will apply to travel for tourism, business and visits to family and friends. The policy will initially remain in effect until December 31. The move follows Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s official visit to China last month, during which he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to relax travel arrangements.
We’re renewing Canada’s relationship with China.
As part of our new strategic partnership, China is granting visa-free travel for Canadians. pic.twitter.com/pWQSqmox86
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) February 16, 2026
Announcing the start date on Sunday, China’s foreign ministry said the scheme would “further facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries,” the BBC said. Sir Keir said the agreement would make it easier for British businesses to expand in China. However, critics have argued that Downing Street’s push to reset ties with Beijing overlooks human rights and national security concerns.
Read: China, Canada agree to advance new strategic partnership
The development brings UK and Canadian passport holders in line with citizens of around 50 other countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Australia and Japan, who already enjoy visa-free access.
Citing data from the UK’s Office for National Statistics, the BBC reported that around 620,000 British nationals travelled to China in 2024, suggesting hundreds of thousands could benefit from the new policy.
During his January visit — the first by a British prime minister since Theresa May in 2018 — Sir Keir said British businesses had been “crying out for ways to grow their footprints in China”.
The two sides also agreed to deepen trade cooperation in services, healthcare, green technology and finance, though no comprehensive free trade agreement was announced.
The visit drew criticism from some opposition figures. Shortly before departing for China, Sir Keir’s government approved plans for a new Chinese embassy in central London, despite concerns from opponents that it could pose security risks, the BBC reported.
