Maple News reports that, beginning February 17, 2026, Canadian citizens can travel to mainland China without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The Chinese government’s new policy is part of an expanding effort to facilitate international travel and foster closer ties with select countries.
According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this visa exemption applies to Canadian travelers visiting for tourism, business, transit, family visits, and cultural exchanges. The visa-free policy is currently scheduled to remain in effect until December 31, 2026, though it is unclear whether it will be extended or modified beyond that date.
This development marks a significant easing of travel restrictions between the two countries. Until now, Canada remained among the few nations whose citizens were still subject to a visa requirement to enter China. The policy shift may offer considerable relief to Canadian travelers, particularly those who previously faced delays due to visa processing times.
However, restrictions still apply under certain conditions. Canadian passport holders seeking employment, enrolling in long-term academic programs, or intending to stay in China for more than 30 days will still be required to obtain the appropriate visa or residence permit.
The visa exemption also brings added convenience to the estimated 1.7 million Chinese-origin Canadian citizens. Previously, these individuals were also subject to standard visa requirements, as China does not officially recognize dual citizenship under its nationality laws.
Until now, Canada’s visa-free access to China was limited primarily to specific regions such as Hainan Province under controlled pilot programs. With this new policy, entry is now open across mainland China for eligible travel purposes.
Canada joins several other countries whose citizens now benefit from temporary visa-free access to China. British passport holders have been granted similar access under the same conditions.
This policy change could encourage stronger tourism and business ties between Canada and China, offering Canadians more flexibility and reducing administrative burdens for short-term visits.
Maple News will continue to monitor updates on the policy’s future beyond 2026.