In a significant step to boost international travel and strengthen global engagement, China has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 50 countries, including the United Kingdom and Canada. The new policy will take effect from February 17, 2026, coinciding with the Spring Festival, widely known as the Chinese New Year.
The announcement was made by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, who stated that visitors from the listed nations will be able to travel to China without a visa under the expanded access framework. The decision follows a series of diplomatic engagements in Beijing and reflects agreements reached between national leaders aimed at facilitating smoother cross-border movement.
Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The 50-country list spans Europe, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania. Among the nations included are:
Hungary, France, Brunei, Germany, New Zealand, Belgium, Spain, Argentina, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Ireland, Poland, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Greece, Australia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Portugal, South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Andorra, Romania, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Montenegro, Croatia, Malta, North Macedonia, Latvia, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Estonia, Russia, Chile, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Kuwait, Bahrain, Sweden, Britain, and Canada.
Notably, India and Pakistan are not part of the current visa-free arrangement.
“China’s Door Is Opening Wider to the World”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mao Ning wrote:
“Starting from the 2026 Spring Festival, visitors from 50 countries can enjoy visa-free access to China. China’s door is opening wider to the world.”
Strategic Intent Behind the Policy
The visa-free expansion forms part of Beijing’s broader “New Open Travel Plan,” designed to revitalise inbound tourism and reinforce international cooperation. China’s tourism sector, like many around the world, experienced a significant downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic. By easing entry requirements, authorities aim to accelerate recovery in the travel and hospitality industries while projecting a message of openness and economic confidence.
The move is widely viewed as a diplomatic and economic outreach initiative, signalling China’s intent to rebuild tourism flows, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and strengthen global partnerships in the post-pandemic era.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.