China entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
No visa required
30 days
Max stay
30 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Canadian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This applies to tourism, business, and visiting family — no visa application needed. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and has at least one blank page.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entryYou can enter China without a visa for short stays, but you must meet all other entry conditions. Canadian passport holders | Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in China for tourism, business, or transit purposes. This is a visa-free entry, not an eVisa. | Not required |
| Passport validityChinese immigration requires your passport to be valid well beyond your stay to cover any unexpected delays. At least 6 months | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from China. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a blank page; if you have none, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/endorsement page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans to ensure you won't overstay. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket to a destination outside China, proving you will leave within the 30-day visa-free period. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry a credit card or bank statement in case an officer asks how you'll support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in China, though this is not always checked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering China under the visa-free policy. | Not required |
| eVisa applicationDo not apply for an eVisa; it's not available for your nationality. Not applicable | Canadian citizens are not eligible for a China eVisa. Since you are visa-free for 30 days, no eVisa application is needed. | Not required |
30-day limit is strict
The visa-free stay is exactly 30 days — not extendable. Overstaying even by a day can lead to fines and trouble at the airport. Set a reminder to leave on time.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you'll be refused boarding or entry. Check now, not at the airport.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before landing
Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details easily accessible. Fill out the arrival card on the plane if given one — it saves time at the border.
2
Go through immigration at the airport
At major airports like Beijing Capital (PEK), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN), follow the signs for 'Foreigners' or 'Non-Chinese Citizens'. Join the queue, present your passport and arrival card when called.
3
Answer the officer's questions
The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, where you're staying, and how long you plan to stay. Answer clearly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with a 30-day visa-free entry.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel. Keep the departure card stub safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download China Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
L Visa (Tourist)
Max stayUp to 90 days (often 30 or 60 days per entry)
ValidityUsually 3 months to 10 years, multiple entries
CostApprox. $100–$200 CAD (depending on number of entries and processing speed)
Recommended for longer stays or multiple visits. Apply at Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Canada.
M Visa (Business)
Max stayUp to 90 days (often 30 or 60 days per entry)
ValidityUsually 3 months to 10 years, multiple entries
CostApprox. $100–$200 CAD (depending on number of entries and processing speed)
Requires an invitation letter from a Chinese business partner or host.
Q2 Visa (Family Visit)
Max stayUp to 180 days (often 60 or 90 days per entry)
ValidityUsually 3 months to 10 years, multiple entries
CostApprox. $100–$200 CAD (depending on number of entries and processing speed)
For visiting family members who are Chinese citizens or permanent residents. Requires proof of relationship.
work visa
Z Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
Varies; employer typically covers fees
For those with a job offer in China. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
X Visa (Student Visa)
Duration of study program, renewable
Varies; school typically assists
For enrolled students at Chinese educational institutions. Requires admission letter and JW201/JW202 form.
investor visa
D Visa (Investor/Entrepreneur)
1–5 years, renewable
Varies; significant investment required
For investors with substantial capital in China. Requires business registration and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa extension (stay beyond 30 days)Apply at local Public Security Bureau Exit-Entry Administration before current stay expires. Extensions typically granted for up to 30 additional days, but not guaranteed. | Approx. 160 CNY (about $30 USD) |
| Overstay fineImposed for overstaying visa-free period; may also lead to detention, blacklisting, or deportation. | 500 CNY per day (about $95 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or expired documents30%
No return ticket25%
Insufficient funds20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through China
No transit visa needed
Canadian citizens are eligible for China's 24-hour visa-free transit at most international airports, and for the 144-hour visa-free transit at designated ports (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) when transiting to a third country/region. For 144-hour transit, you must hold a confirmed onward ticket and stay within the permitted administrative area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Must have a valid passport with at least 6 months validity.
- Must hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country/region (not returning to the same origin).
- For 144-hour transit, must not leave the designated administrative region (e.g., Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang for Shanghai port).
- Some nationalities are not eligible for 144-hour transit; Canadians are eligible.
Transit hubsBeijing Capital International Airport (PEK) · Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) · Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Health & vaccines for China
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedJapanese EncephalitisConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Air pollutionModerate risk
Major cities experience high levels of air pollution, especially in winter; consider masks and air purifiers.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Altitude sicknessLow risk
Risk in high-altitude areas like Tibet; acclimatize gradually.
Malaria risk: low
Malaria risk exists in rural areas of Yunnan and Hainan provinces; prophylaxis recommended for those areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Beijing
Beijing Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
No. 2 Andingmen East Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa extensions and re-entry permits. Bring passport, photos, and application form.
Shanghai
Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau
1500 Minsheng Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa services. Expect long queues; arrive early.
Practical information for CA travellers
Country basics
CapitalBeijing
LanguageStandard Chinese (Mandarin)
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyChinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 6.8 CNY
Time zone
Local timeUTC+8
vs New York+13h
vs Los Angeles+16h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
A,C,ITypes A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), and I (three flat pins) are used.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; boil or use bottled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave China before the 30 days are up and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa before your trip. Overstaying can result in fines and possible detention.
You'll need to apply for a visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. Options include tourist (L), business (M), or family visit (Q) visas, which allow longer stays. Apply well in advance — processing can take several days to a week.
Yes, you can use the visa-free entry multiple times, but each stay is limited to 30 days. There's no official minimum gap between visits, but frequent back-to-back entries might raise questions. It's best to have a genuine reason for each visit.
If you're staying in a hotel, the hotel registers you automatically. If you're staying in a private residence, you must register with the local police station within 24 hours of arrival (72 hours in rural areas). Your host can help with this.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll likely face a fine of about 500 CNY per day, up to a maximum of 10,000 CNY. In serious cases, you could be detained or banned from re-entering China. Don't risk it — leave before your stamp expires.
It covers tourism, business, and visiting family. It does not cover work, study, or long-term stays. If you plan to work or study, you must get the appropriate visa before arriving.
Yes, the visa-free policy applies to all ports of entry, including airports, land borders, and seaports. Just make sure you have your passport and onward ticket ready.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.