China Visa RequirementsFor Australia passport holders
Australian passport holders require a visa to enter China. Under the Australia-China visa arrangement, Australians are eligible for 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas (L visa), with single stays of up to 30 days. The standard visa fee is approximately USD $109.
Australia passport holders require a visa to enter China.
Apply for your Chinese visa at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, or Adelaide. The 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa is the standard option for most Australian leisure travellers. Processing generally takes four to five business days. Bring your Australian passport, completed application form, a recent passport photo, and supporting documents such as hotel bookings and flight itineraries.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Australia to China: What You Need to Know
Australia and China have a reciprocal 10-year multiple-entry visa arrangement to facilitate tourism and business travel between the two countries. The Australian government advises exercising a high degree of caution in China, noting arbitrary enforcement of laws and the risk of exit bans, particularly for those with dual citizenship or family connections to China.
Practical Tips
A VPN is typically needed to access Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and many other foreign websites while in China. Download and configure your VPN before you arrive, as VPN websites and app stores may be inaccessible from within China. The Chinese yuan (RMB) is the only accepted currency; exchange or withdraw cash on arrival as foreign cards are not universally accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for China?
Yes. Australian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China. Under the Australia-China visa agreement, most Australians can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa (L visa) for approximately USD $109, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit. Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry requirements and Australians can enter both visa-free.
How do Australians apply for a Chinese visa?
Apply at one of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Australia, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. You will need your Australian passport, a completed application form, a recent passport photo, and supporting documents such as hotel bookings and flight itineraries. Processing generally takes four to five business days.
Can Australians access social media and Google while in China?
Websites including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many news sites are blocked in mainland China under the Great Firewall. Most travellers use a VPN to access these services. Download and configure your VPN before you arrive in China as VPN websites and app stores may also be inaccessible once you are in the country.
Are there any entry considerations for Australian-Chinese dual nationals travelling to China?
Dual nationality is not recognised under Chinese law. If you hold both Australian and Chinese citizenship, Chinese authorities may require you to enter and exit using your Chinese passport, which limits Australian consular assistance. The Australian government advises dual nationals to be aware of the risk of exit bans and arbitrary detention. Check the latest Smartraveller advice before travelling.
Do Australians need a visa for China?
Yes. Australian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to mainland China. Under the Australia-China visa agreement, most Australians can apply for a 10-year multiple-entry tourist visa (L visa) for approximately USD $109, allowing stays of up to 30 days per visit. Hong Kong and Macau have separate entry requirements and Australians can enter both visa-free.
How do Australians apply for a Chinese visa?
Apply at one of the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres (CVASC) in Australia, located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. You will need your Australian passport, a completed application form, a recent passport photo, and supporting documents such as hotel bookings and flight itineraries. Processing generally takes four to five business days.
Can Australians access social media and Google while in China?
Websites including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and many news sites are blocked in mainland China under the Great Firewall. Most travellers use a VPN to access these services. Download and configure your VPN before you arrive in China as VPN websites and app stores may also be inaccessible once you are in the country.
Are there any entry considerations for Australian-Chinese dual nationals travelling to China?
Dual nationality is not recognised under Chinese law. If you hold both Australian and Chinese citizenship, Chinese authorities may require you to enter and exit using your Chinese passport, which limits Australian consular assistance. The Australian government advises dual nationals to be aware of the risk of exit bans and arbitrary detention. Check the latest Smartraveller advice before travelling.