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China grants UK and Canada visa-free entry, raising total to 79 countries
China's visa-free policy now covers 79 countries, allowing British and Canadian citizens 30-day stays to boost tourism and business ties, following leaders' visits in January.
- China will implement the visa waiver beginning February 17, 2026, allowing British and Canadian citizens to enter visa-free and raising the total to 79 countries, Beijing's foreign ministry confirmed on Sunday.
- Following visits last month by their prime ministers, the U.K. and Canada were added after Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister, and Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister, sought to revamp ties with Beijing.
- The policy exempts ordinary passport holders for up to 30 days for business, tourism, exchange programs and visits to family and friends, as China has broadened eligibility significantly since easing COVID restrictions.
- The decision carries a time limit as most visa-free access expires at the end of this year, and the new rules leave U.S. nationals excluded from full visa-free entry among the five-nation alliance.
- China began widening its visa-free policy in November 2023 after nearly three years of strict COVID lockdowns, with the National Immigration Administration reporting 30.08 million visa-free entries in 2025, a rise of nearly 50 per cent from 2024.
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When will UK visitors be allowed visa-free to China? #travel
Beijing announces a start date for visa‑free entry for UK travellers China has moved to set a start date for visa‑free travel for visitors from the United Kingdom after a high‑level pledge from Beijing. The decision applies to both tourists and business travellers and represents a notable ...
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Total News Sources88
Leaning Left31Leaning Right11Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution52% Left
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
52% Left
L 52%
C 30%
R 18%
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