Entry requirements for China

Australians travelling to China must fill out an Arrival Card (also known as a China Immigration Card) and hand it over to the immigration officer upon arrival. On the back of the arrival card, you will see important notices about entry conditions into China including:

• Foreigners not staying in hotels, guesthouses or inns are required to register their arrival at a local police station (within 24 hours or 72 hours in rural areas)

• Foreigners holding work or student visas will need to apply for Residence Permits with the Public Security Bureau of the city in which the applicant will reside

• Foreigners must not be employed in China without permission of the relevant authorities of the Chinese government

• Foreigners who reside or stay in China should carry their passports or Residence Permit’s for possible examination

Please note there may be other entry requirements including customs declarations and border screening procedures. For up-to-date details on entry requirements contact the Chinese Embassy in Australia, or your local Chinese Consulate.

Chinese visa waiver program

China’s Visa Waiver Program permits visitors from selected countries to enter China visa-free. Australian citizens holding a valid ordinary passports and Australian residents holding a valid ordinary passport from an eligible country can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, and transit.

China has extended its visa-free policy for selected countries including Australia. The visa-free policy originally set to expire at the end of 2025 is now set to expire on 31 December 2026.

Australians can also enter China visa-free for up to 10 days (240 hours) when transiting to a third country. China’s visa-free transit policy applies to 60 designated ports across 24 provinces.

However, Australians travelling to China for work or study are not eligible for visa-free entry to China. Similarly, Australians who hold a diplomatic passport will need a visa. If you are not eligible for visa-free travel, arriving in China without a pre-arranged visa or failing to secure a visa on arrival may result in denied entry.

Can I get a visa on arrival in China?

While China doesn’t have a Visa on Arrival (VOA) policy, Australians eligible for the Chinese Visa Waiver Program won’t need a visa on arrival. However, Australians visiting Special Economic Zones (SEZ) including Shenzhen and Zhuhai may be eligible for a short-term visa on arrival at designated entry points.

Shenzhen visa on arrival

The Shenzhen Port Visa is a single entry five-day VOA that allows tourists to stay within the administrative region of Shenzhen and exit only via Shenzhen ports. Similarly, Zhuhai and Xiamen offer 3-day SEZ visas, restricted to the issuing region with no travel beyond.

Common visas for Australians travelling to China

If you’re an Australian passport holder, most trips to China will require obtaining a visa. Whether you’re visiting family, taking in the impressive Great Wall, or conducting business meetings in Shanghai, your visa type will depend on the purpose of your visit and its duration.

Here is a breakdown of the common visa types for Australians travelling to China:

• Tourist Visa (L Visa): Ideal for sightseeing, leisure, and visiting family, these visas generally allow up to 30 days per visit.

• Commercial Trade Visa (M Visa): This is considered a business visa and is required for commercial trade, participation in competitions and other commercial activities.

• Work Visa (Z Visa): Mandatory for individuals with an approved job contract from a recognised Chinese employer.

• Study Visa (X Visas): X1 Visa for those enrolling in long term study (more than 180 days) or X2 Visa for those enrolling in short term study (no more than 180 days).

• Transit Visa (G Visa): Needed if transiting through China for over 24 hours without meeting visa-free conditions.

What are the visa requirements for a Chinese visa?

To meet the visa requirements for a Chinese visa, you will need to submit the standard documents required for a Chinese visa application including:

• Visa application form: a signed and completed visa application form, and a signed confirmation of an online visa application (where applicable)

• Passport: original passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least one blank visa page and a copy of the bio-data page of the passport

• Passport photo: a coloured passport sized photo taken in front of a plain white background within the last 6 months

• Proof of residency status: Non-Australians need to submit evidence of legal residence in Australia, such as VEVO or ImmiCard

• Previous Chinese passport or visa: if you have held a Chinese visa before and want to apply for a Chinese visa with a renewed foreign passport that does not contain any Chinese visa, present a photocopy of the previous passport’s bio-data page and a page with the previous Chinese visa

• Itinerary: documents showing proof of return ticket, hotel or accommodation booking, or an invitation letter issued by a relevant entity or individual in China containing:

  • Applicant’s personal details (name, gender, date of birth, passport number)

  • Information of planned visit (arrival and departure dates, places to be visited)

  • Information of the inviter (name, contact number, address, official stamp of the inviting entity or signature of the inviting individual)

• Supplementary materials: Other supplementary materials requested by your local Chinese Consulate that may be relevant to your trip and specific visa.

Tourist visas for Australians travelling to China

A Chinese tourist visa, also called an L visa, is issued for trips dedicated to tourism and leisure activities. Australians planning to visit China for tourism for more than 30 days need to apply for a tourist visa in advance. To apply, travellers must submit their Australian passport with at least six months of validity, a blank visa page, a completed visa application form, and a recent passport-sized photo. Proof of travel plans, such as flight tickets and hotel bookings, are also required.

Applications can be made through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or relevant consular services. The visa is usually issued for 30 days per entry, but you may also request multiple entries if you plan to re-enter China during your trip. Processing times may vary, so it is advised to allow at least 15 days for approval. Ensure that your documents are complete, as missing information may delay or jeopardise your application.

What documents are required for a China tourist visa?

If you're applying for the most common China visa type, the tourist visa (L Visa), having the correct documentation in order is critical to any successful application. Missing even small details can delay or deny your travel to China. The Chinese embassy in Australia provides a list of documents required for a China tourist visa. Here’s a summary:

• Passport

• Passport copy

• Application form

• Photo

• Proof of legal status for non-Australian citizens

• Your last passport

• Previous Chinese passport or Chinese visa

• Itinerary and hotel reservation, or invitation letter

Do I need to apply for a visa for China?

You will most likely need to submit visa applications before travelling to China from Australia. Unlike some countries where visas may be granted upon arrival, Australians are typically required to make visa arrangements in advance.

Step-by-step application process for a Chinese visa

Below is the step-by-step process for applying for a visa for China.

Identify the visa type

Start by identifying the appropriate visa for your trip type. For example, plan a Tourist Visa (L Visa) if you’re going on a holiday to sightsee and explore destinations like Shanghai or Xian. Alternatively, a Work Visa (Z Visa) applies if you’ve secured a job offer.

Register your application online

Begin your application on the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre website.

Complete the form accurately and print it to bring along with other documents.

Gather supporting documents

The checklist below is key for most visa applications:

• Original passport with at least six months’ remaining validity.

• Passport photos adhering to China's passport photo requirements.

• A copy of your itinerary, flight details, and hotel confirmations, or an invitation letter issued by a host company or individual.

Submit visa applications in person

Schedule an appointment through the Visa Centre. You may need to physically visit one of their offices in major Australian cities, such as Sydney or Melbourne, for application submission.

Pay the fee

Visa fees vary according to the type and duration of your stay. Payment can often be arranged at the Visa Centre directly.

Wait for processing

Processing times typically range between 4 and 15 days. During peak holiday seasons, consider submitting your application at least one month in advance to avoid last-minute stress.

How much does a China visa cost?

Unless you have visa free entry, the cost of a China visa depends on the type of visa and its purpose. For example, tourist visas typically have a standard fee, while business and work visas often come at a higher cost due to additional processing requirements. Fees can also vary if you opt for expedited or express processing services. Prices may fluctuate, so always check the latest fees with the Chinese Embassy in Australia or the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre before submitting your application.

How long can I stay in China with a visa?

The purpose and length of your trip to China will determine the type of visa you are eligible for. Australian travellers should carefully review the conditions outlined on their visa, such as the number of entries, length of stay, and validity period. This will tell you how long you can stay in China with your visa. Below are the specific requirements for each type of visa.

Tourist visas (l visa)

A tourist visa for Australians generally permits a stay of up to 30 days per entry. If your travel itinerary requires multiple visits to China, you can request a visa with multiple entries. However, you must abide by the cumulative allowed days on the visa. The length of stay for tourist visas cannot usually be extended beyond its issued validity, so trips should be planned to fit these limits.

Work visas (Z visa)

Australians travelling to China for employment are required to obtain a Z visa, which allows longer stays depending on your contract or invitation letter issued by the employer. Validity can range from several months to years. If your Z visa is valid for more than 30 days, you must apply for a residence permit, issued by local authorities, which grants the right to live and work during employment.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a working holiday or business trip to China.

Study visas (X visa)

For Australian students enrolled in Chinese educational institutions, the X visa is required. There are subcategories depending on the length of the study program:

• X1 visas: for longer courses, more than 180 days

• X2 visas: for shorter courses, no more than 180 days

After arrival, X1 visa holders must apply for a temporary residence permit, valid for the duration of their stay.

Consider if you need travel insurance for a student trip to China.

Short-term visas

Short-term visas are designed for visitors travelling to China, including Australians visiting China for brief stays, whether for tourism, business, or other specified purposes. A common example is the L visa for tourists. Typically, short-term visas are issued for stays of up to 30 days per entry and may allow single or multiple entries, depending on the visa type and application.

To apply for a short-term visa, Australians must submit visa applications following the application process outlined above, and submit the supporting documents also outlined above.

For all visa types, travellers should ensure they meet the requirements for their intended purpose, including possessing an original passport with a data page, and complying strictly with the conditions to prevent overstaying. It is advised to consult the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre or relevant consular services with any questions or uncertainties.

Travel insurance for your trip to China

When planning your trip to China, it’s important to consider travel insurance to help protect against unexpected situations, such as medical emergencies or trip cancellations. With Fast Cover, you can customise your travel insurance policy to suit your travel plans to China.

It is important to note that your travel insurance policy may not provide cover if you do not comply with China’s visa or other entry requirements. To help ensure you are prepared for your trip, you should research and understand the relevant entry conditions before you travel to China.

Eligibility criteria, policy terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Consider the PDS prior to deciding on which policy is right for you and your needs.