Australia Visa RequirementsFor China passport holders
Chinese citizens need a visa to visit Australia. The standard tourist visa (subclass 600) costs approximately AUD 190-200 (~$130-150 USD) and allows up to a 90-day stay per visit.
China passport holders require a visa to enter Australia.
Apply for an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) through the Australian Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au, or through the Australian Embassy or Consulate in China. The fee is approximately AUD 190-200. Online applications are typically processed faster than paper applications. Required documents: valid Chinese passport, photographs, travel itinerary, return flight booking, hotel accommodation, proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), employment/income proof, and ties to China (employment, family, property). Processing can take from a few days to several weeks. Multiple-entry visas allowing stays up to 3 months per visit over a 12-month period are available.
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
Required Documents
Valid Chinese Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond planned stay in Australia
Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
Apply online via ImmiAccount; fee ~AUD 190-200; processing varies
Return Flight Booking
Confirmed return or onward flight from Australia
Hotel/Accommodation Bookings
Confirmed accommodation for duration of stay
Proof of Sufficient Funds
Bank statements showing ability to fund the trip
Proof of Employment/Income
Employment letter or business ownership documentation
Completed Incoming Passenger Card
Distributed on the flight, must declare food and plant/animal products
Current Travel Situation
China to Australia: What You Need to Know
Australia is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for Chinese citizens, driven by large Chinese diaspora communities in Sydney and Melbourne, strong educational ties (Chinese students are the largest foreign student group in Australian universities), and tourism interests. Australia and China have had complex diplomatic relations in recent years, with trade disputes and security tensions, but tourism and student travel has continued. Chinese citizens require a Visitor Visa (subclass 600) for tourism or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) is NOT available to Chinese passport holders , only the full visa route applies.
How to Get There
New Zealand is Australia's nearest neighbor and has a large Chinese community, offering similar cultural experiences. Within Australia, Chinese community hubs in Sydney's Chinatown, Melbourne's Boxhill, and Brisbane make Chinese-speaking travelers feel at home. Popular Australian destinations include: Sydney (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), Melbourne (laneways, food scene), Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and the Red Centre, and the Gold Coast.
Money & Banking
Australia uses the Australian dollar (AUD). Chinese bank cards (UnionPay) are widely accepted in Australia, particularly in tourist areas popular with Chinese visitors. ATMs in Sydney and Melbourne accept UnionPay. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at many businesses in Chinese-dominated retail areas. Australia is expensive for Chinese tourists — midrange accommodation costs AUD 100-200/night and restaurant meals AUD 20-50/person.
Practical Tips
Australia is approximately 9 hours from Shanghai (direct) or Beijing. Qantas, Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern operate direct routes between major Chinese and Australian cities. Time zones differ significantly (Australia can be 2-5 hours ahead of China depending on season and location). Bring power adapters (Australia uses Type I , different from China's Type A/I). Australia drives on the left side of the road. Chinese-language tourism support is available at many major Australian attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Australia?
Yes. Chinese passport holders must apply for an Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600). The ETA system is not available to Chinese citizens. Apply online through ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. Fee is approximately AUD 190-200.
Are Chinese bank cards (UnionPay) accepted in Australia?
Yes. UnionPay is widely accepted in Australia, particularly in cities with large Chinese communities (Sydney, Melbourne). ATMs in major cities also accept UnionPay cards. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted at many businesses in areas popular with Chinese visitors.
How long does the Australia visa take for Chinese citizens?
Online applications are typically processed within a few days to 2-3 weeks for straightforward applications. Complex cases or incomplete applications can take longer. Apply well before your travel date.