China Visa Free Policy for Australians
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Starting from July 1, 2024, Australian citizens holding ordinary passports who stay in China for no more than 15 days can enter the country visa-free.
- Visa-free policy: Australian citizens can travel to China visa-free for business activities, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transit.
- Duration of stay: The visa-free stay period is 15 days, calculated from the date of entry and ending at 24:00 on the 15th natural day.
- Scope of application: The visa-free policy applies to all land, sea and air ports open to foreigners, unless otherwise stipulated by laws, regulations or bilateral arrangements, the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Australia said.
- Apply for a visa: If you plan to stay in China for more than 15 days or do not meet the visa-free conditions, you need to apply for a visa in advance.
- Apply for a visa: You can apply for a visa through the China Visa Application Service Center or the Chinese embassies and consulates in Australia.
China Visa Types & Requirements
There are 13 types of Chinese visas, each marked with the Chinese pinyin letters C, D, F, G, J, L, M, Q, R, S, X and Z. Find your type and prepare the documents listed below.
Purpose of Travel | Visa Category | Details & Scope |
(L) Tourism | L | (L) Individual tourism; (L) Group tourism |
(F) Exchange, Visits, Inspection, etc. | F | (F) Academic exchange; (F) Cultural exchange (e.g., non-commercial performances); (F) Religious exchange; (F) NGO activities; (F) Volunteering/charity work (≤90 days) |
(M) Commercial/Trade Activities | M | (M) Trade; (M) Competitions; (M) Business activities |
(Q1) Family Reunification (>180 days) | Q1 | For family members of Chinese citizens/permanent residents staying >180 days |
(Q2) Short-Term Family Visit (≤180 days) | Q2 | (Q2) Visiting family members of Chinese citizens/permanent residents (≤180 days) |
(S1) Private Affairs (>180 days) | S1 | Long-term stays (>180 days) for family accompanying foreign residents or handling private affairs |
(S2) Private Affairs (≤180 days) | S2 | Short-term stays (≤180 days) for family visits or personal matters (legal, medical, property) |
(Z) Work | Z | Employment, foreign experts, performances, corporate reps, long-term volunteers (>90 days) |
(X1) Long-Term Study (>180 days) | X1 | Academic study (>180 days) |
(X2) Short-Term Study (≤180 days) | X2 | Short courses/training (≤180 days) |
(G) Transit | G | (G) Transit through China |
Those are the most common China Visa types, for more information including Permanent Residence or Transit Visa, you can search on the official website.
How to Apply for a China Tourist Visa?
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Step 1: Prepare Visa Application Materials
Document | Requirements |
1. Passport | ∙ Original + photocopy of bio page |
2. Visa Application Form | ∙ Complete online: China Online Visa Application |
3. Photo | ∙ One 33×48mm color photo |
4. Proof of Residence | ∙ Non-citizens: Original valid visa/residence permit for your current country |
6. Hotel Bookings | ∙ Confirmed hotel reservations for entire stay |
6. Financial Proof | ∙ Bank statements (last 3-6 months) |
7. For Minors | ∙ Birth certificate + notarized consent letter from both parents |
Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application Form and Upload Materials
- Visit the China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) website and register for an account and log in.
- Follow the instructions to complete the online Visa Application Form, upload all required documents (scanned copies), and submit the application.
- Check "Application Status Query" regularly. The Embassy, Consulate, or CVASC may request additional documents at any time.
- Once the status shows "Passed Preliminary Review":
- Print the first page and the declaration page (last page) of the Visa Application Form.
- Sign these pages as indicated.
- Schedule and complete a video interview if prompted by the system.
Step 3: Submit Visa Application Materials & Pay Fees
- Once your status is "Passed Preliminary Review" and you have received a confirmation email, you can visit the CVASC on a weekday (Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM).
- Bring the printed Visa Application Confirmation Page.
- Submit the following materials at the CVASC:
- Original Passport
- Printed First Page & Signed Declaration Page (Last Page) of the Visa Application Form.
- One Recent Photo: Taken within the last 6 months, front view, color, bareheaded, size 48mm x 33mm (small 2-inch).
- Any Other Supporting Documents requested.
- Fingerprinting is usually required:
- Applicants must provide ten fingerprints at the CVASC.
- Fingerprint Exemptions:
- Applicants under 14 or over 70 years old.
- Holders of diplomatic passports, or those eligible for diplomatic, courtesy, or official visas.
- Applicants who had fingerprints collected at a Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Italy within the last 5 years using the samepassport.
- Applicants with all ten fingers mutilated or unable to provide fingerprints.
- Important for Tourists (until Dec 31, 2024): Applicants for single/double-entry C, M, L, Q2, or G visas meeting specific criteria at Chinese Embassies/Consulates in Italy may be exempt.
- Pay Fees: Submit payment for the visa fee and CVASC service fee when handing in your application.
Step 4: Collect Passport/Visa: Bring the pick-up slip received during submission to the designated CVASC during the scheduled pickup hours to collect your passport with the visa.
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How to Apply for a China Student Visa?
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The overall steps are the same, the only difference is you need to provide the document to prove your student identity. So remeber to get your document to confirm your eligibility in advance.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- You must have: Admission Notice from a Chinese educational institution and Visa Application for Study in China (JW201 or JW202 form).
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Submit all documents in A4 size in this order:
No. | Document | Details |
|---|---|---|
1 | Original Passport | Valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank visa pages. |
2 | Passport Copies | Photocopy of info page + extension page (if any). |
3 | Visa Application Form | Fully completed with 2 recent color passport photos (light background, 48x33mm). |
4 | Admission Notice | Original + photocopy from your Chinese school. |
5 | JW201/JW202 Form | Original + photocopy. |
Step 3: Submit Application
- Online Application:
- Complete the form at China Visa Application Service Center (CVASC).
- Upload documents and await preliminary approval.
- In-Person Submission:
- Visit the designated CVASC with printed materials.
- Fingerprint Collection: Mandatory for applicants aged 14–70 (exemptions apply, e.g., diplomatic passport holders).
- Pay Fees:
- Visa fee + service fee (express service available at extra cost).
Step 4: Collect Visa
- Return to CVASC with the pickup slip to collect your passport with the X1 visa.
- Processing Time: Typically 4–5 business days (longer if documents are incomplete).
How to Apply for a China Transit Visa?
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A transit visa is a type of visa that allows the holder to travel to a third country from an open or designated port of a certain country within a specified period. To obtain a transit visa, one must first acquire a valid entry visa or permit from the destination country (except for visa-free countries).
I. Check Eligibility for Visa-Free Transit
Three conditions must be met to transfer at some major airports in China:
- Citizens of 45 countries that fall within the 72-hour visa-free transit range
- Hold a valid international travel document of your own and a confirmed connecting flight ticket with a definite date and seat to a third country (region) within 72 hours
- Transit through the airport to a third country (region)
- Citizen of eligible countries
II. If Ineligible for Visa-Free Transit: Apply for G Visa
Step 1: Online Application
- Complete the China Visa Application Form at the official system
- Print:
- "Online Confirmation Page"
- "Visa Application Form"
Step 2: Prepare Documents
Required Materials | Details |
Passport | Original + copy of info page. Validity >6 months |
Photo | 1x (48x33mm, white background, taken within 6 months) |
Confirmed Flight Tickets | Round-trip/onward tickets with your name |
Additional Documents | May include travel itinerary, hotel bookings, or proof of funds |
Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit in person at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate covering your jurisdiction.
- Fingerprint Collection: Mandatory for ages 14-70 (exemptions below).
Must-Have Chinese Apps
1. Must-Have Chinese Apps | WeChat Pay
If you can only download oneapp for traveling in China, make it WeChat. Beyond being China’s dominant communication platform (essential for contacting family, travel agencies, or tour guides), its integrated payment feature—WeChat Pay —is indispensable. It lets you effortlessly pay for dining, shopping, and daily expenses, making your travels smoother and more convenient.
2. Must-Have Chinese Apps | Dianping
Our love for delicious food is no less than anyone else's! 🍽️ we have found a super practical restaurant recommendation app for you!
Dianping is a restaurant recommendation platform based on user reviews, which can help you find the most popular delicacies in China. It's like a living map of restaurants with built-in ratings, allowing you to easily browse restaurant ratings, dish recommendations and real user reviews. 😋
Dianping covers over 300 cities, includes more than 1 million stores, and provides genuine user reviews. Like most dining recommendation platforms, you can use the filtering function to filter restaurants based on conditions such as distance, budget, and popularity, and quickly find your favorite delicacies. Each restaurant's page will provide detailed information, including address, phone number, business hours, and some even support online reservations, making your culinary journey more convenient! 🍽 ️ 📍
3. Must-Have Chinese Apps | Alipay
Essential Travel Apps for Visiting China - Alipay Payment
Alipay is an essential payment tool for tourists in China, allowing you to easily make cashless payments across the country. With Alipay, international travelers can directly bind Visa or Mastercard to easily pay for various expenses such as dining, transportation and shopping without a local bank account, making their journey smoother and worry-free.
Alipay's QR code payment function has been widely used by various merchants in China. There is no need to carry cash or credit cards. Just scan the code to complete the payment, allowing you to fully enjoy your journey. In addition, Alipay also offers exclusive discounts and offers, allowing you to enjoy more benefits at popular scenic spots and stores! This app not only enhances your travel experience but also helps you manage your expenses easily through digital transaction records, making your trip more reassuring!
4. Must-Have Chinese Apps | Baidu Maps
Google Maps is not available in China, but don't worry. With Baidu Maps, you don't need it at all!
Like many practical life applications in China, Baidu Maps is not just an ordinary navigation tool. It offers powerful 3D map functions (yes, you can even precisely locate the China Bar on the 65th floor of Park Hyatt Hotel), as well as accurate public transportation routes, real-time waiting times for buses, and road traffic conditions. There is even a city heat map to help you avoid crowded areas!
In addition, you can mark your favorite locations on the map and add stars. This way, when exploring the surrounding areas, you can always find the places that interest you. This feature is particularly suitable for browsing the map while recording your direction, making your journey more relaxed and smooth!
China Hotels Recommendation
Questions about China Visa
Do Australians need a visa for China now?
Chinese Visa Waiver Program Australian citizens holding ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, and transit. Australians can also enter China visa-free for up to 10 days (240 hours) when transiting to a third country.How can I get a China visa?
Basic Documents Original passport with at least six months of remaining validity and blank visa pages, and a photocopy of the bio data page. One completed Visa Application Form attached with a recently-taken color passport photo (bare-head, full face) against a light background.Do foreigners need a visa for China?
You should obtain a visa before travelling to China. You may be eligible for a visa on arrival if you are: transiting between two international destinations. visiting certain areas for short periods.Can I just go to China without a visa?
You must obtain a visa prior to arriving in the People's Republic of China (PRC). Your passport must have at least six months' validity remaining. If your visa is not in your valid passport, the biographical data on the valid passport and the visa must match exactly.