China has rolled out a series of measures to facilitate foreign tourists traveling to and in China since 2024. With increasingly popular, easy and convenient China Travel, the year 2024 saw a total of 20.12 million foreigners entering China, up 112.3% from the previous year. Canadians are warmly welcome to see and explore “Real China” in all dimensions. The Chinese Embassy in Canada hereby presents the main facilitation measures applicable to Canada as follows:   

    Ⅰ. Visa-Free Policy

    a. 240-hour Visa-Free Transit Policy. From December 17, 2024，citizens from 54 eligible countries, including Canada, may enter China visa-free via any of the 60 exit-entry ports in 24 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities), and stay within the permitted areas for up to 240 hours. A valid international travel document and a connecting ticket to a third country (region) with a confirmed date and seat are required.

    Travelers enjoying visa-free transit policy may engage in tourism, business, visits, family visits and other activities, while visas are still required for purposes of work, study and news reporting.

    b. Hainan 30-Day Visa-free Entry Policy. From February 9, 2024, ordinary passport holders from 59 countries, including Canada, may enter Hainan Province visa-free for tourism, business, visits, family visits, medical treatment, conferences and exhibitions, sports competition, etc. (except for purposes of work and study). Travelers can enter Hainan via all its ports open to foreign countries, and stay within the province for up to 30 days.

    Ⅱ. Measures to Facilitate Chinese Visa Application 

    a. Certain Applicants Exempted from Fingerprint Collection. From September 2, 2024 to December 31, 2025, all visa applicants in Canada applying for short-term visas (staying within 180 days) with single or double entry will be exempted from fingerprint collection.

    b. Visa Appointments Completely Eliminated. Canadian citizens can bring their application documents and apply for Chinese visas at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Canada without an appointment.

c. Visa Fee Reduction Extended. Applicants will enjoy visa fee reduction until December 31, 2025 when applying to the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Canada. The visa fee for Canadian passport holders is C$75 per person (regardless of the number of entries).

    Ⅲ. Other Facilitation Measures

To facilitate visits by foreign individuals, China has launched a series of measures with respect to payment, shopping and transportation. Mobile payment apps and Beijing Pass (international payment card) have made it more convenient for foreign individuals to shop and travel in China.

Recently, China has expanded its instant tax refund policy for purchases by foreign tourists nationwide and significantly reduced the minimum purchase value eligible for tax refund. Tourists making purchases at designated stores can receive tax refunds on-site after completing a credit card pre-authorization.