China allows visa-free entry to British, Canadian nationals

China has announced visa-free entry for Canadian and British nationals, marking the United States as the only Five Eyes nation not granted this privilege.

The new policy takes effect on Tuesday and will remain in place until the end of the year, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

Announcing the move on Sunday, the ministry said passport holders from Canada and Britain may stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa for business trips, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, or exchange purposes.

The new rule comes close on the heels of visits to China by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

This leaves US citizens as the only ones among the Five Eyes alliance – often seen as core representatives of the Western bloc – who still cannot enter China without a visa.

China granted visa-free access to New Zealand and Australia – the two remaining members – as far back as July 2024.

South China Morning Post