China Visa Free Policy for Australians
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Does Australian need Visa to China if planning to stay longer than 15 days?
The answer is No! 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?
Source: CVASC
China Visa | Step 1: Prepare Visa Application Materials
Document | Requirements |
1. Passport |
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2. Visa Application Form |
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3. Photo |
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4. Proof of Residence |
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5. Hotel Bookings |
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6. Financial Proof |
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7. For Minors |
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China Visa | Step 2: Complete the Online Visa Application
- 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.
China Visa | Step 3: Submit Visa Application Materials & Pay Fees
- Once your status is "Passed Preliminary Review" and you have received a confirmation email.
- 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
- Pay Fees: Submit payment for the visa fee and CVASC service fee when handing in your application.
Source: Chinese Visa Appilication Service Center
China Visa | 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.
China Visa | 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).
China Visa | 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. |
China Visa | 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).
China Visa | 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 China 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 China Visa-Free Transit: Apply for G Visa
China Visa | Step 1: Online Application
- Complete the China Visa Application Form at the official system
- Print:
- "Online Confirmation Page"
- "Visa Application Form"
China Visa | 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 |
China Visa | Step 3: Submit Application
- Submit in person at the Chinese Embassy/Consulate covering your jurisdiction.
- Fingerprint Collection: Mandatory for ages 14-70 (exemptions below).
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.