China Visa Requirements for Canadian citizens in 2026

Last Updated: May 29, 2026, 2:05 p.m.

Flag of Canada — passport nationality for this visa route
Flag of China — travel destination for this visa route

1) Visa Not Required

Travelers holding Canadian passports are welcomed to China without the need for a tourist visa in 2026. Enjoy up to unknown days of visa-free stay and ensure to review the below guidelines for a smooth travel experience.

Entry Requirement

Danger
Allowed Stay

unknown

Purpose of Travel

Tourist

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Further Notes

  • From 17 February 2026 to 31 December 2026, visas are not required for 30 days for business, tourism, family/friends visit, exchange and transit purposes.
  • 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan) using any mode of transport. Must have a confirmed onward ticket/itinerary, and enter through 1 of 64 approved ports.
  • During which, may freely travel within the 24 provinces permitted for visa-free transit and engage in tourism, business, and visits.
  • 24-hour visa-free transit to a third country or region (including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan), is available at most international airports, without leaving the airport.
  • Travellers who need to leave the airport may obtain a temporary entry permit from immigration.
  • 5-day port visa (Visa on Arrival) for Shenzhen if arriving at designated ports of entry from Hong Kong by land or sea, for stays within Shenzhen.
  • 3-day port visa (Visa on Arrival) if arriving in Zhuhai or Xiamen at designated ports of entry, for stays within the respective city.
  • 15-day visa-free entry for cruise ship passengers in tour groups, if arriving at any cruise port along China's coastline, including but not limited to Tianjin; Dalian; Shanghai; Lianyungang; Wenzhou; Zhoushan; Xiamen; Qingdao; Guangzhou; Shenzhen; Beihai; Haikou; Sanya. May further travel inland to all regions of coastal provinces (and equivalents) and Beijing.
  • May apply for a port visa (Visa on Arrival) if travelling for an urgent, qualified reason. Prior clearance for port visa is highly recommended or may be denied boarding by airlines.
  • Visa not required for 30 days visiting Hainan Island, if arriving directly on the island from outside Mainland China.
  • Visas for Canadian citizens are valid for up to 9 years and 11 months.

Reference Links

https://cs.mfa.gov.cn/wgrlh/lhqz/lhqzjjs/202510/t20251023_11739051.shtml

General Information about China

  • Name (Common): China
  • Name (Official): People's Republic of China
  • Population: 1402112000
  • Area: 9706961
  • Capital: Beijing
  • Currency: Chinese yuan
  • Language: Chinese
  • Calling Code: +8
  • Region: Asia
  • Subregion: Eastern Asia

Travel Advisory for China

Advisory Message: China has a current risk level of 3.4 (out of 5). We advise: Use some caution when travelling China.
Score: 3.4
Source: https://www.travel-advisory.info/china
Last Updated Aug. 13, 2024, 8:21 a.m.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for China.

No, Canadian citizens do not need a visa for China.

Yes, Canadian citizens can travel to China without a visa.

The maximum length of stay in China with Visa Not Required is unknown. Canadian citizens must leave the country within the specified period.

Overstaying in China even if a visa is not required can result in fines and penalties. Ensure to comply with the allowed stay duration of unknown.