China entry in 2026 for Canadian passports

Canadian ordinary passport holders are included in the visa-free expansion announced through 2026 MFA publications. Verify the current effective period and scope before every trip — do not rely on old news coverage: MFA briefing.

Use mission-level pages as your primary verification source, as policy rollout and repost timing can vary.

When eligible, Canadian ordinary passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchange, and transit. Confirm current eligibility in the official notice before travel: visa-free FAQ.

Carry a clear itinerary, accommodation confirmation, and onward or return travel evidence. Airlines may verify at check-in that your trip matches visa-free purpose conditions.

If your specific case does not fit visa-free terms, evaluate 240-hour transit only when your route is unambiguously A-China-B with a confirmed onward booking and a compliant entry port.

Use the official NIA page for current conditions: NIA transit notice.

If conditions are uncertain, your stay exceeds 30 days, or your purpose is complex, use the regular visa route. Apply through the official COVA portal and follow your local Chinese mission's current instructions: COVA portal.

Start the application well before your intended departure date to account for processing timelines.

NIA allows arrival-card submission online before arrival and supports airport-side completion via kiosks or paper: arrival-card notice.

Hotels complete accommodation registration for guests directly. Private stays must register with local public security within 24 hours of arrival: Article 39 guidance.

MFA English briefing on visa-free expansion: source.

Chinese Embassy in the U.S. visa-free FAQ: source.

NIA transit and arrival-card notice: source.