Published on
January 17, 2026
China has made a groundbreaking move by granting visa-free access to citizens from 45 countries, including Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, Germany, France, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Latvia, Spain, Slovenia, Norway, and many others, paving the way for an era of unparalleled global mobility. This bold initiative aims to strengthen international ties, foster economic growth, and enhance tourism exchange by eliminating the need for visas for up to 30 days. The move is expected to drive a significant increase in travel, create new business opportunities, and deepen cultural connections between China and these countries, marking a major step forward in China’s commitment to global collaboration and open borders.
During a significant diplomatic visit to Beijing, the Canadian Prime Minister announced a major development for Canadian travelers: citizens will soon be able to enter China without requiring a visa. This announcement marks a significant shift in the bilateral relationship between Canada and China, with the move expected to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
The visit, which took place over the span of several days, included key meetings with high-ranking Chinese officials and highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. These included energy, agricultural trade, security, and innovation—areas where both countries see vast potential for growth and collaboration.
The new visa exemption is a step toward strengthening the connections between the people of Canada and China. This initiative is designed to make it easier for Canadians to travel to China, fostering more cultural, academic, and business exchanges. It aims to enhance people-to-people ties, which have always been a key aspect of the relationship between the two countries.
In particular, the Canadian Prime Minister pointed out that Canada is home to a vibrant Chinese diaspora of over two million people, a vital community that plays a key role in strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations. Furthermore, the growing number of Chinese visitors to Canada—over 300,000 in 2024—underscores the strong demand for travel between the two countries. As China is Canada’s second-largest source of tourism, the new visa-free policy will undoubtedly contribute to an increase in tourism and economic benefits for both sides.
Beyond the immediate impact on tourism, the Prime Minister also discussed the broader implications for cultural and creative industries. By allowing easier access for citizens of both countries, professionals in fields such as museums, digital content creation, and visual arts will now have more opportunities to collaborate and showcase their work internationally. This expanded cultural exchange is expected to foster new relationships and build bridges between Chinese and Canadian artists, innovators, and creators.
This new visa policy builds on recent progress in Canada-China relations, including China’s decision to reinstate Canada as an approved destination for group travel. The Prime Minister stressed that this initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase travel exchanges, deepen cultural ties, and enhance economic cooperation. The move also signals a positive shift in the diplomatic climate between the two nations, which has faced periods of tension in recent years.
Once the visa exemption is implemented, Canada will join a list of 45 other countries and territories whose citizens can travel to China for up to 30 days without needing a visa. This list includes a range of countries from Europe, Asia, and the Americas, making it easier for their citizens to experience China’s rich culture, heritage, and growing tourism industry.
The countries already eligible for this visa-free policy include:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and Uruguay.
These nations represent a diverse range of global regions and economies, all benefiting from the increased ease of travel to China. The addition of Canada to this list further strengthens the network of countries that can enjoy 30-day visa-free stays in China, supporting the growth of international tourism and fostering global cooperation.
While the exact date for the visa exemption to take effect has not yet been confirmed by Chinese authorities, the announcement is already being seen as a major step forward in Canada-China relations. It is expected to have a positive impact on bilateral tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, laying the foundation for even greater collaboration in the years to come.
The move also aligns with China’s broader efforts to boost its international tourism and strengthen diplomatic ties through initiatives that promote people-to-people exchanges. By simplifying the travel process for citizens of these 45 countries, China is making it easier for more people to visit and experience its cultural and economic growth firsthand.
Canada’s inclusion in the list of countries eligible for visa-free travel to China marks an important milestone in the evolving relationship between the two nations. This new policy will not only benefit tourists, but also strengthen cultural, educational, and business ties, offering new opportunities for Canadians and Chinese alike to collaborate and connect. As the global landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like this will play a key role in fostering greater international understanding and cooperation.
