In a significant shift aimed at enhancing relations between Canada and China, the Chinese government has decided to eliminate the visa requirement for Canadian tourists and business visitors for stays of up to 30 days. This policy change, announced by China’s Foreign Ministry, will take effect starting Tuesday and is set to last until at least the end of this year. The move comes in the wake of Prime Minister Mark Carney's diplomatic efforts to mend ties with Beijing, where he had earlier discussed this possibility with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to the country last month.

Currently, obtaining a visa to enter mainland China involves a cumbersome application process and costs approximately $140, which has been a deterrent for many potential tourists from Canada. By abolishing these visa requirements, China seeks to attract more international visitors and stimulate its tourism sector, which has been struggling to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision is part of a broader trend by China to relax visa regulations for several Western nations as it pivots to boost its economy through increased tourism.

Historically, the relationship between Canada and China has been strained, particularly after Beijing imposed visa restrictions on Canadian visitors in response to a diplomatic fallout. Over the years, the number of Chinese tourism groups visiting Canada was also limited, reflecting ongoing tensions. The removal of the visa requirement marks a step towards reconciliation, potentially opening doors for renewed economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries, as both parties appear eager to improve bilateral ties in a post-pandemic context.