China visa for Canada citizens

Current status (verified May 2026)

Canadian ordinary passport holders are not on the 30-day visa-free entry list as of May 2026. The standard pathways are:

• 240-hour visa-free transit — eligible at qualifying ports with onward ticket to a third country.
• Standard L visa — required for stays exceeding the transit window.

The visa-free expansion has consistently excluded Canada and the US, mirroring the bilateral reciprocity with their own visa policies for Chinese applicants. This may change.

Standard L visa application from Canada

Submit via CVASC offices in: - Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal.

Standard requirements: - Passport valid 6+ months beyond your stay. - Online application form (printed and signed). - Recent passport photograph. - Round-trip flight booking and hotel reservation. - Proof of funds where requested.

Canadian-passport L visa fees are moderate (around CAD $150-$200 standard); processing 4 working days standard.

Multi-entry visas of 1-10 year validity are common for first-time applicants with clean travel history.

Hong Kong and Macau

Canadian passport-holders are visa-free for Hong Kong (90 days) and Macau (30 days). Mainland Chinese visa or visa-free entitlement is required separately for crossing into the mainland.

What about the future

The 30-day visa-free entry list expands roughly every 6-12 months. Canadian eligibility may be added; confirm with the Chinese Embassy or CVASC before booking flights.