Canadian citizens can visit China visa-free for up to 15 days for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, apply at a China Visa Application Centre in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Ottawa.
Do Canadians Need a Visa for China?
Two options for Canadian passport holders:
- Visa-free (15 days) — Tourism, business, family visits. No advance application needed.
- Chinese Visa — Stays longer than 15 days, work, study, journalism, etc.
15-Day Visa-Free Entry
Canada was added to China's visa-free program in December 2024. This covers most Canadian tourists and business travelers.
Eligibility
- Valid Canadian passport (6+ months remaining)
- Purpose: tourism, business, family, or transit
- Proof of onward travel (may be requested at border)
Visa-free stays cannot be extended. Overstaying results in fines of 500 RMB per day (max 10,000 RMB) and possible detention or deportation.
Common Visa Types for Canadians
| Type | Purpose | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| L Tourist | Sightseeing, family visits | 30-90 days |
| M Business | Business meetings, trade | 30-90 days |
| X1/X2 | Study | X1: >6 months, X2: ≤6 months |
| Z | Work | 90 days (then residence permit) |
| Q1/Q2 | Family reunion | Q1: long-term, Q2: up to 180 days |
Application Requirements
📄 All Visa Types
- Canadian passport (valid 6+ months, 1+ blank page)
- Completed COVA online form
- One photo (48×33mm, white background)
- Previous Chinese visas (if any)
- Visa application fee
🏖️ Tourist Visa (L) Extras
- Hotel bookings for entire stay
- Round-trip flight itinerary
- Travel plan
💼 Business Visa (M) Extras
- Invitation letter from Chinese company
- Employer letter from Canadian company
Step-by-Step Application
1 Fill Out COVA Form Online
Complete the application form at cova.mfa.gov.cn. Print the confirmation page and completed form.
2 Book Appointment
Schedule an appointment at your nearest visa centre through the online booking system. Walk-ins are not accepted.
3 Attend Appointment
Bring all documents. Submit your application, provide fingerprints (ages 14-70), and pay the fee.
4 Wait & Pick Up
Processing takes 4 business days (regular). Collect in person or use courier return service.
Fees & Processing Times
| Service | Fee (CAD) | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Regular (single entry) | $102.50 | 4 business days |
| Regular (multiple entry) | $202.50 | 4 business days |
| Express (2-3 days) | + $45 | 2-3 business days |
| Postal return | + $30 | + 2-3 days |
Visa Centres in Canada
Serves: Ontario, Quebec, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, Nunavut
Serves: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories
Serves: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba
Common Mistakes
Chinese visas need EXACTLY 48×33mm photos. Standard Canadian passport photos are 50×70mm — they won't work. Get the right size or use the photo service at the centre.
Appointments can be 2-3 weeks wait during peak season. Apply at least 2 months before travel. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a 10-year visa as a Canadian?
Yes! Canadian citizens are eligible for 10-year multiple-entry tourist and business visas. It costs $202.50 and is great value for frequent travelers.
Do Permanent Residents of Canada need a visa?
It depends on your passport. If you have a passport from a visa-free country, you can use visa-free entry. Otherwise, you need to apply for a Chinese visa.
Can I apply by mail?
First-time applicants must attend in person for biometrics. If you've had a Chinese visa since 2018 with fingerprints on file, you may be eligible for mail-in applications.