Quick Answer
Can Canada citizens visit China visa-free in 2026?
Yes. Canada passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days (since 2026-02). The stay is for tourism, business, or family visits and cannot be extended inside mainland China.
Source: Chinese MFA, 2026
Visa policy for Chinese borders
30-day visa-free entry to China. Valid for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. Extension possible through local Public Security Bureau (PSB) in China.
Common questions
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for China in 2026?+
No. Canadian passport holders can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days under China's unilateral exemption that took effect in 2024.
How long can a Canadian stay in China without a visa?+
Up to 30 days per entry. The exemption covers tourism, business, family visits, and transit purposes. Working, studying, or staying longer than 30 days still requires the appropriate visa.
Can Canadians use the 240-hour visa-free transit?+
Yes, when transiting through an eligible Chinese port to a third country. Maximum stay 240 hours, restricted to the approved transit zone.
Visa & travel facts
- Visa status
- Visa-free, 30 days
- Max stay
- Up to 30 days
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Currency
- CAD
- Region
- Americas
Alipay & foreign cards
Cards that work: Visa, Mastercard, AmEx
- Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite (no FTF)
- RBC Avion Visa Infinite
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
- Wealthsimple Visa
Often unreliable: Most Canadian debit cards (Interac not supported on Alipay), Tangerine Money-Back (occasional 3% FTF)
- Canadian debit cards (Interac) are NOT supported by Alipay — use credit cards only.
- Scotiabank Passport Visa is the standard recommendation for Canadians.
Connectivity — eSIM & VPN
| Provider | Data | Price | Notes |
|---|
| Airalo | 5–20 | $9–$32 | Best for CA travelers. |
| Holafly | 5–unlimited | $19–$50 | Unlimited data. |
| Nomad | 5–20 | $11–$30 | Budget option. |
VPN that works: Astrill, NordVPN, Windscribe (CA-based, free tier works for casual use)
Avoid: Most free VPNs
- Bell/Rogers/Telus roaming at $12–15/day — eSIM is 70-80% cheaper.
- Public Mobile Canada (Telus network) has a $10/day China add-on — better than Bell/Rogers.
Tax refund
Eligible for the departure sales-tax refund — minimum spend ¥500.
- Tax Free Shopping stores only.
- Form at checkout, passport required.
- Airport Tax Free counter (departures, allow 3+ hours).
- Refund as CAD to Canadian bank, CNY cash, or Alipay.
Participating airports: Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou
Your embassy in Beijing
19 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District · +86 10 5139 4000 · +86 10 5139 4000 (24/7) · Mon-Fri 8:00-17:00
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