China is ending visa requirements for Canadian tourists and business travellers, a change that has encouraged Vancouver travel agents and follows efforts by Prime Minister Mark Carney to improve ties with China.
China’s Foreign Ministry says Canadians will be allowed to visit for up to 30 days without a visa starting Tuesday and lasting until at least the end of the year. During a visit to Beijing last month, Carney said Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to visa-free access for Canadians.
Right now, most Canadians travelling to mainland China must complete a long application and pay about $140. Canadians can already visit Hong Kong and Macau without a visa.
Vancouver travel agents say the change will make trips easier, especially for Canadians visiting family in China. However, some agents say high travel costs may limit how many people go right away. They hope the new policy will lead to more direct flights between Canadian cities and China and also attract more Chinese tourists to Canada.
China has eased visa rules for several Western countries to help rebuild tourism after the pandemic. Canada and China had tense relations for several years, which slowed travel between the two countries. During Carney’s trip, both sides also agreed to work together on tourism promotions tied to major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
