The Digester

China expands visa-free access to 79 countries, adds UK and Canada

Mar 13th 2026

China has expanded its visa-free program to 79 countries, allowing many visitors up to 30 days visa free for business, tourism, exchanges and family visits, while some nationals keep shorter transit privileges.

  • Starting Tuesday, citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada were added to China’s visa-free program.
  • A total of 79 countries now qualify for visa-free entry to China.
  • Eligible visitors can stay up to 30 days for business, tourism, exchange programs and to visit family and friends.
  • Some nationals, including citizens of the United States and Indonesia, have 10-day visa-free transit rights when continuing to a third country.
  • For most countries the visa-free access is scheduled to expire at the end of this year, though China has extended it before.