China Expands Visa-Free Access to Canada and UK

China has expanded its visa-free entry program to include British and Canadian citizens. This initiative, aimed at boosting tourism and business, allows stays of up to 30 days. The program now includes 79 countries, with varying rules for transit and longer stays. It follows recent diplomatic visits by UK and Canadian leaders.

In a strategic move to boost tourism and business, China announced that British and Canadian citizens no longer need a visa to enter the country, starting Tuesday. This expansion brings the total number of countries with visa-free access to China to 79, marking significant growth over the past two years.

Under the new rules, eligible visitors can stay in China for up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, exchange programs, and visiting family and friends. The policy already includes most European countries and select nations from Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, citizens of the United States and Indonesia can stay for 10 days if they are traveling through China.

The recent visits of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to China played a role in securing this access, as both leaders seek to strengthen relations with Beijing. The program is currently set to expire at the end of the year, although extensions have been granted before.