The Chinese government has approved visa-free entry for citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom starting from 17 February, following official visits by the leaders of both countries to Beijing last January.
This decision came after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney traveled to Beijing to strengthen ties with China amid shifting geopolitical contexts and uncertainties in relations with the United States.
Leaders of both countries indicated that discussions with senior Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, made progress on several key issues, one of which was the visa exemption agreement for their citizens.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement on Sunday confirming that the policy will be effective from 17 February until 31 December. Holders of ordinary Canadian and UK passports can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting relatives or friends, participating in exchange activities, or transit travel, for a maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
The statement added that this measure aims to facilitate exchanges between Chinese citizens and other countries and reflects the Chinese government's efforts to promote international relations at the people-to-people level.
This visa exemption policy represents a positive sign of cooperation between China and the two Western countries and may help stimulate tourism, trade, and economic exchanges at a time when many countries are accelerating the recovery of international relations and travel.
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