For a long time lagging behind in the digitalization of visas, China is now entering a new phase. In a set of measures released on March 20, Beijing for the first time refers to the introduction of an electronic visa, while continuing to expand its visa-free policies and streamline entry procedures.
Starting February 17, 2026, holders of ordinary passports from Canada and the United Kingdom will be able to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. This decision, now officially confirmed by the Chinese government, will remain in effect through December 31, 2026.
During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to China, Beijing indicated that it is considering granting visa-free entry for British citizens traveling for short stays.
According to the National Immigration Administration, more than 30 million foreign nationals entered China without a visa in 2025, amid a strong recovery in cross-border travel and the modernization of entry procedures, notably marked by the gradual rollout of a digital arrival card.
While on an official visit to Beijing, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canadian citizens will soon be able to enter China without a visa.
Visa fees for travel to China will continue to benefit from a reduced rate until December 31, 2026, in accordance with a decision recently confirmed by the Chinese authorities.
Chinese authorities have announced the extension, through December 31, 2026, of the fingerprint collection waiver for short-term visa applications. This measure, echoed by numerous Chinese embassies and visa centers abroad, is part of the ongoing easing of entry requirements introduced since the reopening of the country’s borders.
China officially launches today its new digital arrival card for foreign travelers. This procedure, previously completed through a paper form handed out on planes or upon arrival, can now be filled out online before entering Chinese territory. Learn how this digital arrival card works and how to complete it.
Starting November 20, 2025, China will introduce an online arrival card allowing foreign travelers to fill out their entry information before arriving in the country.
China has announced a one-year extension of its unilateral 30-day visa-free entry policy for citizens of several countries, including France. The measure, originally set to expire at the end of 2025, will now remain in effect until December 31, 2026.
Starting September 15, 2025, Beijing will grant Russian citizens a visa exemption allowing them to stay in China for up to 30 days.
Dreaming of visiting China without a visa? Thanks to a strengthened open-door policy, China now allows citizens of many countries to travel without a visa. Unilateral exemption, bilateral agreements, or transit: here’s everything you need to know for a hassle-free trip. In a context of strategic reopening after the pandemic,
China has announced the expansion of its visa-free policy to four member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), continuing its strategy of openness and strengthening international exchanges. Beijing is moving forward with its diplomatic opening by easing entry requirements for travelers from key regions. Following similar moves for Europe,
Starting June 1, 2025, citizens from five South American countries will be able to enter China without a visa for short stays. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on May 15, 2025, that nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay will be eligible for visa-free entry. This policy, effective
China visa applicants worldwide will continue to benefit from reduced fees until December 31, 2025.
