China to Allow Canadians to Visit Visa-Free as Ottawa and Beijing Seek Closer Ties

China often uses travel restrictions as a pressure tactic.

A police officer stands outside the Canadian Embassy in Beijing on May 9, 2023. Greg Baker/AFP via Getty Images

China says Canadian passport holders will be able to travel to China without needing a visa starting on Feb. 17 for tourism and business stays of up to 30 days.

The announcement is the latest development as Ottawa and Beijing seek closer ties, and it follows on the heels of a series of agreements to ease tariffs between the two countries.