Do Australians need a visa for China?
Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders.
Australia is on China's unilateral visa-free list, which allows visits of up to 30 days for tourism, business and family visits without a visa. The policy is set to run through the end of 2026 and has been extended repeatedly — confirm it's current before you book.
Passport validity
At least 6 months from your date of arrival
Length of stay
Up to 30 days per entry
Onward ticket
Required — airlines check this at Australian check-in.
Blank passport pages
2
Arrival card and fingerprinting
Paper arrival card plus fingerprint scanning at the border for most visitors aged 14 – 70.
Apply on the official siteWhat it costs
| Fee | Amount | Who pays |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free entry | Free | Australian passport holders, up to 30 days |
| Standard tourist visa (L) | About AUD $110 | Only needed for stays beyond 30 days or non-covered purposes |
How to get sorted, step by step
- Confirm the visa-free policy still covers Australia before booking — it's a unilateral policy with an end date that has been extended several times.
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your Australian card before you fly. Both now accept foreign cards and it's how you'll pay for everything.
- Download translation and maps apps before you arrive — Google services don't work in China.
- Buy an eSIM with roaming that routes traffic outside China if you need access to blocked services.
What catches Australians out
Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and most Australian news sites are blocked. Plan around it.
An international roaming eSIM typically routes through a foreign gateway and reaches blocked services; a local Chinese SIM does not.
Cash is barely used. Some vendors genuinely cannot accept it.
The visa-free policy is unilateral and can be changed or ended at short notice.
Australian International Driving Permits are not recognised — see driving.
Health cover for Australians in China
No reciprocal agreement. International-standard hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai are expensive and require payment upfront.
Vaccinations: Hepatitis A and typhoid sometimes recommended. Japanese encephalitis for rural stays.
Medications: Bring prescriptions with a doctor's letter. Some medications are restricted.
Compare travel insurance for ChinaMore China essentials
China entry requirements FAQs
Do Australians need a visa for China?
Not for stays up to 30 days. China added Australia to its unilateral visa-free list in 2024, covering tourism, business and family visits. The policy has been extended repeatedly and currently runs through the end of 2026, but because it's unilateral it can change — confirm before you book.
How do I pay for things in China as an Australian?
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your Australian Visa or Mastercard before you leave. Both now accept foreign cards, and almost all everyday transactions run through them. Cash is increasingly refused and foreign credit cards are only accepted at international hotels.
Watching China?
We'll email you when entry rules or prices change for Australians travelling to China.