China visa-free travel is here!

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do Australian citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China need to notify the Chinese embassies or consulates in advance?

  Australian citizens eligible for the visa-free entry to China do not need to pre-notify the Chinese embassies or consulates.

• Are there special requirements for minors who are eligible for the visa-free entry?
  There are no special requirements, the same policy applies to adults and minors.
• Do Chinese immigration inspection authorities check the purpose of visit before allowing Australian citizens to enter China? Are there additional documents other than a valid passport required upon entry to China?
  Australian citizens entering China for business, tourism, family visit or transit purposes, who are eligible for visa-free entry, will be  permitted to enter China following relevant by Chinese immigration inspection authorities. Individuals whose purposes of visit do not align with the visa-free entry policy or eligible categories of entry may be denied entry. Chinese immigration inspection authorities will make decisions according to relevant laws and regulations. It is encouraged to take necessary supporting documents with you on entering China, such as flight tickets and hotel reservation letter, which will help to verify your purpose of visit. Individuals visiting China for work, study, or journalism purposes cannot apply to visa-free entry policy.
• Are there certain requirements for the type and validity period for border-entry certificates?
  Australian citizens holding ordinary passports should ensure their passport has sufficient validity for their  stay in China. You wil require a minimum of 6 months from the date of your return. Travel documents, temporary or emergency certificate holders do not apply to the visa-free entry policy. 
• How does the 30-day free period work?
  Australian citizens applying visa-free entry, upon their arrival in China, can stay 30 consecutive natural days, until midnight of the 30th natural day, before leaving China.
• Can Australian citizens applying for visa-free entry policy, depart from countries other than the one(s) of citizenship(s)?
  Australian citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can depart from any country (region) outside China.
• Does this visa-free entry policy apply to travel methods other than aviation?
  The visa-free entry policy applies to all open sea, land, and airports to foreign citizens (except where laws, regulations, or bilateral arrangements specify otherwise). If arriving in China by private transportation, relevant procedures for entry and exit of the vehicle should be processed in accordance with certain Chinese laws and regulations.
• Are tourist groups eligible for the visa-free entry policy?
  Australian citizens eligible for the visa-free entry policy, whether in group or as individuals can apply for the visa-free entry policy.
• If the stay in China exceeds 30 days, can an extension be made?
  If an Australian citizen intends to stay in China for more than 30 days, they should apply for a visa that meets that purpose in advance, at the Chinese embassies or consulates. If there are legitimate reasons for a longer stay than the 30 days after entering China using the visa-free entry policy, application for temporary stay permit should be submitted to the Chinese exit & entry administration of the public security departments before the 30-day stay permit expires.
• Are multiple entries allowed? Are there requirements for duration of entry intervals? Are there limits on the number of visa-free entries or a limit to total days of stay?
  Australian citizens eligible for visa-free entry to China can enter multiple times. Currently, there are no restrictions on the number of visa-free entries or a limit of the total days you can stay . It is of vital importance to keep in mind not to be engaged in activities inconsistent with your purpose of entry.