Immigration

China | Visa-free entry for Canadian and UK citizens   

Summary

China has announced a unilateral visa exemption policy for nationals of Canada and the United Kingdom (UK). The policy takes effect on February 17, 2026, and will remain valid through December 31, 2026. During this period, eligible individuals holding ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for short-term stays of up to 30 days for purposes such as business, tourism, or family visits. The measure is expected to facilitate business travel and cross-border exchanges, though existing requirements for long-term activities such as work and study remain in place.

The detail

Eligible Canadian and UK citizens holding valid ordinary passports may enter China without a visa for a single stay up to 30 calendar days for the following purposes. The passport must remain valid for the duration of the stay, and the stay period is calculated from the day after entry:

• Business visits
• Tourism
• Visiting family and friends
• Exchange
• Transit

The visa exemption does not apply to individuals intending to engage in employment, long-term assignments, study, journalism, or other activities requiring prior government authorization. Appropriate visa categories remain mandatory for such activities.

What this means

The inclusion of Canada and the United Kingdom in China’s visa-free framework reinforces China’s commitment to promoting international mobility and business cooperation. For multinational companies, the policy provides greater flexibility for short-term business visits and urgent travel, reducing administrative time.

It is important to emphasize that while the visa exemption policy simplifies entry procedures, it does not alter the legal boundaries of permissible activities in China. Companies should carefully assess travel arrangements, with particular attention to the following compliance risks:

• Activity characterization risk: The distinction between business visits and work remains nuanced. If activities are deemed to constitute actual work, even visa-free entry may lead to the finding of illegal employment.
• Cumulative stay management: Internal tracking mechanisms should be established to ensure compliance with the 30-day maximum stay per entry.
• Permanent establishment risk: Frequent or prolonged business visits could trigger permanent establishment determination, resulting in corporate and individual income tax liabilities.
• Social security and payroll compliance: Repeated entries by individuals who are deemed to be effectively performing duties in China may trigger social insurance contributions and individual income tax filing obligations.
•  Overstay risk: Stay durations must be strictly managed to avoid overstaying, which could affect future entries and corporate compliance records.

Visa-free entry does not constitute work authorization. Under relevant regulations:

• Individuals with an employment contract signed with an overseas employer and receive remuneration from overseas will be deemed to be employed in China if they engage in business activities in China for an aggregate of more than 90 days within a year. In such cases, a China work authorization is required.
• If the employment contract is signed with an employer in China and if the remuneration is paid directly from China, the individual will be considered employed in China regardless of the duration of stay.

China’s National Immigration Administration retains the authority to conduct substantive reviews of the nature of activities conducted in China and to take corresponding enforcement measures. Companies must ensure that travel purposes align with the scope of the visa exemption and retain appropriate supporting documentation for inspection.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Jacky Chu
Partner, China Leader

Sheree Cang
China Immigration Partner

Dienn Hu
China Immigration Senior Manager

Ray Xia
China Immigration Senior Manager

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