China will implement visa-free entry for British and Canadian passport holders starting February 17, 2026, following high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at strengthening international cooperation. The policy, confirmed by Beijing's foreign ministry on February 15, permits stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, and cultural exchanges until December 31 this year.
The announcement comes six weeks after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney conducted separate visits to Beijing in January – the first such UK-China summit since 2018. Both leaders emphasized the importance of stable economic partnerships during meetings with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials.
"This measure will further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and deepen mutual understanding," stated China's foreign ministry, aligning the UK and Canada with 50 other nations enjoying similar visa privileges including France, Germany, and Japan.
Industry analysts predict the move could significantly boost business connectivity, with over 620,000 British travelers having visited China in 2024 alone. Starmer noted during his Beijing visit that British enterprises urgently sought expanded access to Chinese markets amid global economic uncertainties.
The visa exemption forms part of broader efforts to establish what Chinese officials describe as "comprehensive strategic partnerships" with Western nations through pragmatic diplomacy. It follows recent agreements to enhance cross-border trade mechanisms and climate cooperation frameworks.
