China Visa for Canadian Citizens: Complete 2026 Guide
Complete guide to China visa for Canadian citizens. Learn about tourist visa requirements, 240-hour transit, fees, processing times, and CVASC application steps.
China Visa for Canadian Citizens: Your Complete Guide
If you’re a Canadian citizen planning a trip to Shanghai or anywhere else in China, understanding your visa options is essential. China visa for Canadian citizens involves several pathways: tourist visas, transit visa-free policies, and potentially a new 30-day visa-free option that was recently announced. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining a China visa for Canadian citizens, including current requirements, fees, processing times, and practical tips to streamline your application.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (per Chinese Embassy in Canada and CVASC official guidelines)
| Quick Reference | Details |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa Fee | CAD $132.75 total (CAD $75 visa + CAD $57.75 service fee) |
| Processing Time | 3 working days (regular), 2 working days (express) |
| 10-Year Visa Available | Yes, allows 90 days per entry |
| 240-Hour Transit | Available for eligible transits |
| Application Center | CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center) |
Understanding Your Visa Options
Canadian citizens have three main pathways to enter China:
Option 1: Tourist Visa (L Visa)
The standard tourist visa is required for most Canadian travelers visiting China for tourism purposes. This visa must be obtained before travel through the CVASC system.
Option 2: 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit
Canadian passport holders can use the 240-hour (10-day) transit visa-free policy when genuinely transiting through China to a third country. This option doesn’t require advance visa application—processing occurs at the airport upon arrival.
Option 3: 30-Day Unilateral Visa-Free (Announced but Not Yet Implemented)
Important: On January 16, 2026, China announced a 30-day unilateral visa-free policy for Canadian citizens. However, as of January 2026, this policy has NOT yet been implemented. It requires an official implementation notice from the National Immigration Administration before taking effect. Canadians must continue obtaining visas through normal channels until official implementation.
⚠️ Critical Note: Do not rely on the 30-day visa-free policy until you see official implementation notices. Always verify current status on the Chinese Embassy website before booking travel.
Canada China Visa Requirements: Tourist Visa Details
Who Needs a Tourist Visa?
All Canadian ordinary passport holders planning to visit China for tourism must obtain a tourist visa (L visa) before travel, unless they qualify for transit visa-free entry.
Tourist Visa Fees for Canadian Citizens
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | Service Fee | Total Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | CAD $75 | CAD $57.75 | CAD $132.75 |
| Double Entry | CAD $75 | CAD $57.75 | CAD $132.75 |
| Multiple Entry (6 months/1 year) | CAD $75 | CAD $57.75 | CAD $132.75 |
| 10-Year Multiple Entry | CAD $75 | Additional service fees apply | CAD $75+ |
💡 Pro Tip: The 10-year multiple entry visa is excellent value if you plan multiple trips to China. It allows stays of up to 90 days per entry and costs the same base visa fee as single-entry visas.
Processing Times
| Service Type | Processing Time | Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Processing | 3 working days (submission day not included) | Included |
| Express Processing | 2 working days (submission day not included) | CAD $64.40 |
| Rush Processing | Available but specific timing and fees not confirmed for 2026 | Varies |
💡 Pro Tip: Start your application process 1-2 months before your planned travel date. This allows time for online form verification (3-5 working days) and processing, plus buffer for any issues.
Required Documents for Canadian Passport China Visa
Mandatory Documents
| Document | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for at least 6 months with blank visa pages | Must be ordinary passport (not travel document, temporary, or emergency passport) |
| Digital Photo | Taken within 6 months, front-facing, color, white background, 33mm×48mm | Can be taken at CVASC for additional fee |
| Online Visa Application Form | Completed at www.visaforchina.cn and printed | Online verification takes 3-5 working days |
| Itinerary with Round-Trip Tickets and Hotel Reservation | OR invitation letter from China | Choose one option |
Optional Documents
- Proof of Legal Residence: Required if applying outside Canada
- Previously Issued Chinese Visas: Include copies if applicable
- Former Chinese Passport: Required for naturalized Canadian citizens applying for first visa
💡 Pro Tip: Prepare either hotel booking with round-trip tickets OR an invitation letter from China—you only need one option. Hotel bookings are typically easier to obtain for tourists.
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Complete Online Application Form
Before visiting CVASC, you must complete the online application form:
- Visit www.visaforchina.cn
- Select your location (Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary)
- Fill out the application form completely
- Upload required documents digitally
- Submit for online verification (takes 3-5 working days)
- Print the approved form once verification is complete
⚠️ Critical: You cannot submit physical documents at CVASC until your online form is verified. This step cannot be skipped.
Step 2: Book CVASC Appointment (If Required)
While appointments are not always mandatory, booking one during peak travel seasons ensures you’re seen promptly. Check your local CVASC center’s requirements.
Step 3: Submit Physical Documents at CVASC
Visit your designated CVASC center with:
- Printed and verified online application form
- Original passport
- Passport photo (if not uploaded digitally)
- Supporting documents (itinerary/hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Payment (cash or credit card accepted)
Step 4: Biometric Fingerprint Collection
Ages 14-70: Must provide biometric fingerprints in person at CVASC. This cannot be done by mail.
Exempt: Children under 14 and adults over 70 years old.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re applying by mail, you’ll still need to visit CVASC in person for biometric collection if you’re between 14-70 years old. Plan accordingly.
Step 5: Pay Fees
Fees are paid when submitting physical materials at CVASC. Online payment is not available.
Step 6: Collect Your Visa
Return to CVASC to collect your passport with visa, or arrange for mail return (if available at your center).
CVASC Application Centers in Canada
| City | Address | Phone | Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa | 220 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 1450, Ottawa, ON K1P 5Z9 | +1-613-366-1699 | ottawacenter@visaforchina.org | 09:00-16:00, Mon-Fri |
| Toronto | Suite 1501, 393 University Avenue | +1-416-345-8472 | torontocenter@visaforchina.org | Check website |
| Vancouver | 250-999 West Broadway | +1-604-336-8866 | vancouvercenter@visaforchina.org | Check website |
| Montreal | CVASC center available | Check website | Check website | Check website |
| Calgary | CVASC center available | Check website | Check website | Check website |
💡 Pro Tip: Check the CVASC website for your specific center’s hours and any appointment requirements before visiting.
144 Hour Visa Free China Canada: Transit Visa-Free Option
Canadian citizens are eligible for the 240-hour visa-free transit policy (previously 144 hours, expanded in December 2024). This allows you to stay in China for up to 10 days without a visa when transiting to a third country.
Transit Visa-Free Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport Validity | At least 3 months remaining |
| Third-Country Ticket | Confirmed ticket to a country different from origin (required) |
| Entry Ports | Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), or 65 designated ports across China |
| Geographic Scope | 24 provinces/regions via 65 designated ports |
| Electronic Arrival Card | Must complete online before arrival or at airport |
What Qualifies for Transit Visa-Free?
This works ✅:
- Canada → Shanghai → Japan (third country)
- Canada → Beijing → Thailand (third country)
- Canada → Guangzhou → Vietnam (third country)
This doesn’t work ❌:
- Canada → Shanghai → Canada (round-trip, same country)
- Canada → Shanghai (one-way, no onward flight)
⚠️ Important: Round-trip tickets (Canada → Shanghai → Canada) do NOT qualify for transit visa-free. You must have a confirmed ticket to a third country. If you have a round-trip ticket, you’ll need a tourist visa instead.
Shanghai Entry Ports for Transit Visa-Free
| Port | Code | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong International Airport | PVG | Air |
| Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport | SHA | Air |
| Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal | - | Sea |
| Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal | - | Sea |
| Shanghai Railway Station | - | Rail |
Transit Visa-Free Coverage Area
The 240-hour transit visa-free allows travel within 24 provinces/regions, including:
Full access (18 regions):
- Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Liaoning, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang
- Fujian, Shandong, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Chongqing
- Anhui, Hainan, Guizhou, Shaanxi
Select cities only (6 regions):
- Heilongjiang (Harbin only)
- Shanxi (Taiyuan, Datong)
- Jiangxi (Nanchang, Jingdezhen)
- Guangxi (Nanning, Guilin + 10 more cities)
- Sichuan (Chengdu + 10 more cities)
- Yunnan (Kunming, Lijiang + 7 more cities)
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re staying longer than 10 days or visiting areas outside the 24 provinces (like Tibet or Xinjiang), apply for a tourist visa in advance instead of relying on transit visa-free.
Common Application Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Incomplete Online Application Form
Problem: Form submitted with errors or missing information.
Solution: Double-check all fields before submission. Ensure passport number, dates, and personal information match your passport exactly.
Mistake 2: Insufficient Passport Validity
Problem: Passport expires within 6 months or lacks blank visa pages.
Solution: Renew your passport if it has less than 6 months validity. Ensure you have at least 2 blank visa pages.
Mistake 3: Missing Supporting Documents
Problem: No itinerary/hotel booking or invitation letter provided.
Solution: Prepare either confirmed hotel bookings with round-trip tickets OR an invitation letter from a Chinese entity/individual. Hotel bookings are typically easier for tourists.
Mistake 4: Application Submitted Too Close to Travel Date
Problem: Not enough time for processing, especially if express service isn’t available.
Solution: Submit applications 1-2 months before travel. This accounts for online verification (3-5 days) and processing time (3+ days).
Mistake 5: Attempting to Use Transit Visa-Free with Round-Trip Ticket
Problem: Trying to enter on transit visa-free with Canada → Shanghai → Canada ticket.
Solution: Round-trip tickets don’t qualify. Either book a third-country ticket for transit visa-free, or apply for a tourist visa.
Practical Tips for Canadian Travelers
Before Applying
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure at least 6 months remaining and blank pages available
- Complete Online Form First: Don’t visit CVASC until online verification is complete
- Prepare Supporting Documents: Book hotels or obtain invitation letter well in advance
- Plan Timing: Start process 1-2 months before travel
During Application
- Bring All Documents: Original passport, printed form, photos, supporting documents
- Arrive Early: If no appointment, arrive early to avoid long waits
- Prepare Payment: Have cash or credit card ready for fees
- Biometric Collection: If 14-70 years old, be prepared for fingerprinting
After Receiving Visa
- Verify Details: Check visa dates, entry type, and number of entries match your plans
- Keep Copies: Make copies of visa and all application documents
- Check Entry Requirements: Review entry procedures guide for arrival process
Embassy and Consulate Information
Chinese Embassy in Canada
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ottawa |
| Address | 515 St. Patrick Street, Ottawa, ON K1N 5H3 |
| Phone | +1-613-789-3434 |
| chineseembassy.ca@gmail.com | |
| Website | https://ca.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/ |
| Jurisdiction | Ottawa Region, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nunavut |
Consulates General
| City | Jurisdiction | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | Ontario and Manitoba | +1-437-361-2299 | http://toronto.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng |
| Vancouver | British Columbia and Yukon Territory | +1-604-416-0040 | http://vancouver.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng |
💡 Note: For visa applications, Canadian citizens must use CVASC centers, not the embassy or consulates directly.
Recent Policy Changes (2024-2026)
December 2024: Transit Policy Expansion
The transit visa-free policy was expanded from 144 hours to 240 hours (10 days) on December 17, 2024. Entry ports increased from 39 to 65, and coverage expanded to 24 provinces.
Source: Chinese Embassy Announcement
January 2026: 30-Day Visa-Free Announcement
On January 16, 2026, China announced a 30-day unilateral visa-free policy for Canadian citizens. However, this policy has NOT yet been implemented as of January 2026. It requires official implementation notice from the National Immigration Administration.
Status: Pending implementation
Source: Chinese Embassy Visa-Free Page
January 2019: Online Application System
All applicants must complete the online application form at www.visaforchina.cn before submitting physical documents. This system has been mandatory since January 1, 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do Canadian citizens need a visa for China?
A: Yes, Canadian citizens need a tourist visa for most visits to China. However, you may qualify for 240-hour transit visa-free if you’re genuinely transiting to a third country. A 30-day visa-free policy was announced in January 2026 but has not yet been implemented—check official sources before relying on it.
Q: How much does a China visa cost for Canadian citizens?
A: The total cost is CAD $132.75 (CAD $75 visa fee + CAD $57.75 service fee) for single, double, or multiple entry visas. Express processing adds CAD $64.40. The 10-year multiple entry visa costs CAD $75 base fee plus service fees.
Q: How long does it take to get a China visa in Canada?
A: Regular processing takes 3 working days (submission day not included). Express processing takes 2 working days with an additional CAD $64.40 fee. However, you must also account for online form verification (3-5 working days) before submitting physical documents.
Q: Can I get a 10-year China visa as a Canadian citizen?
A: Yes, Canadian citizens are eligible for a 10-year multiple entry visa. It costs CAD $75 (base visa fee) plus service fees and allows stays of up to 90 days per entry. This is excellent value if you plan multiple trips to China.
Q: Can Canadian citizens use 144-hour visa-free transit?
A: Yes, but it’s now 240 hours (10 days) as of December 2024. Canadian citizens can use transit visa-free when traveling to a third country (not returning to Canada). You must have a confirmed onward ticket and enter through one of 65 designated ports.
Q: Do I need to apply in person at CVASC?
A: If you’re between 14-70 years old, you must visit CVASC in person for biometric fingerprint collection. Children under 14 and adults over 70 may be able to apply by mail, but check with your local CVASC center for specific requirements.
Q: What’s the difference between CVASC and the Chinese Embassy?
A: CVASC (Chinese Visa Application Service Center) handles all visa applications for Canadian citizens. You cannot apply directly at the embassy or consulates—all applications go through CVASC centers in Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Calgary.
Q: Can I extend my China visa while in China?
A: Tourist visas (L visas) can potentially be extended in China for valid reasons (illness, flight cancellation, etc.), but extensions are not guaranteed. Apply at the local Public Security Bureau (PSB) Entry-Exit Administration at least 7 days before expiration. Processing takes about 7 days.
Q: What happens if I overstay my visa?
A: Overstaying results in fines (¥500 per day, maximum ¥10,000), potential detention for over 1 month, and possible deportation with entry bans. Always ensure you exit before your visa expires.
Related Guides
- 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit Guide - Complete details on transit visa-free policy
- 30-Day Visa-Free Policy - Information about the announced (but not yet implemented) 30-day visa-free option
- China Entry Procedures Guide - Step-by-step guide to entering China, including online arrival card
Official Sources
- Chinese Embassy in Canada - Visa Information
- Chinese Embassy - Visa-Free Policies
- CVASC Official Website
- CVASC Ottawa Center
- CVASC Toronto Center
- CVASC Vancouver Center
- National Immigration Administration
Final Thoughts
Obtaining a China visa for Canadian citizens requires planning ahead, but the process is straightforward when you understand the requirements. Start your application 1-2 months before travel, complete the online form first, and ensure all documents are prepared. If you’re genuinely transiting to a third country, consider the 240-hour transit visa-free option to save time and money. For most tourists, the standard tourist visa or 10-year multiple entry visa (if you plan multiple trips) are your best options.
Remember: The 30-day visa-free policy announced in January 2026 has not yet been implemented. Always verify current requirements on official sources before booking travel.
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Visa policies and fees may change, so please verify current information on the Chinese Embassy website and CVASC website before applying.
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