China has announced visa-free entry for citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada, allowing eligible travellers to visit without a visa for short stays.
According to officials in Beijing, the policy will take effect from Tuesday and remain in place until December 31. The move is aimed at boosting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening ties.
Foreign media reports said the decision comes after recent visits to Beijing by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, during which both sides discussed expanding cooperation.
Chinese authorities said holders of ordinary passports from the UK and Canada will be allowed to stay in China for up to 30 days without a visa. The facility covers travel for business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, exchange programmes, or transit purposes.
Officials added that the initiative is designed to encourage closer public engagement and promote international travel.