China has announced visa-free entry for Aussie tourists. What does this mean for your travel plans?
Last week, it was announced that Australians looking to travel to China for short trips will no longer need to obtain a visa.
The move was part of a plan to help boost tourism between the two countries - and it's worked.
Within just 30 minutes of the news being shared, Trip.com search data showed a massive 80 per cent increase in China-related keywords among Aussie users.
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Aussies will soon be able to travel to China without a visa. Getty
China's tourism industry has suffered in the last four years.
"As one of the last destinations to open its doors to tourists post-COVID, China's tourism sector has been severely impacted," a spokesperson for Intrepid Travel told 9Travel.
Though they've seen an uptick in Aussies embarking on Intrepid group tours in China, they're yet to return to pre-pandemic booking numbers. Hopefully, that'll change soon.
Intrepid tours rely heavily on local tourism operators, tailored to give back to the communities through which they travel.
"By making it easier for Australians to visit for short durations without a visa... local businesses are likely to see increased activity and growth."
Read on to learn everything you need to know about travelling to China and its new visa-free scheme for Aussies.
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Tourism to China has dipped post-pandemic. Getty
Can Australians go to China visa-free?
Australians will soon be able to travel to China without the need to pre-purchase a visa.
Australia has been added to China's visa-waiver program as part of a new agreement announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang last week in Canberra, after a meeting with PM Albanese.
It will come into effect in the next few months.
Currently, Australians have to apply and be approved for a $110 single-entry visa to visit China. A one-year multiple-entry visa of the same type costs about $230.
However, travellers who enter under this new scheme will only be able to stay in the country for 15 days.
They can leave China on a 'visa run' to Hong Kong or Macau, then return to China, where the 15 days will be reset.
Can I travel to China from Australia?
Aussie passport holders can enter China without a visa for purposes including business, tourism, visiting relatives and friends, and transiting.
Just turn up with your passport - no need to apply for anything online before you leave home.
Australians previously needed proof of accommodation and a return ticket to enter China. This is no longer required.
Visa-free passport holders can stay for 15 days. Getty
Which countries can travel to China without a visa?
China has implemented a visa-free policy for passport holders from:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Germany
- France
- Italy
- The Netherlands
- Spain
- Malaysia
- Switzerland
- Ireland
- Hungary
- Austria
- Belgium
- Luxembourg
It has also eased visa requirements for U.S. citizens visiting the country on tourist visas, removing the need to provide proof of round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries, or invitation letters.
Do I need a visa to China from Australia?
Aussie travellers visiting China with the intent to work or study will still need a visa.
Similarly, if you plan to be in the country for more than 15 days, you'll need to pay for a tourist visa that will last for 30 days, before your planned travel date.
Once you've left China, you can return to the country, where the visa-free 15 days will reset. There's no limit on how many times Australian passport holders can enter China as a tourist.
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the news last week. Alex Ellinghausen/SMH
China visa-free Australia start date
Don't book your tickets just yet.
No firm date has been provided for the visa-free travel arrangement, though it's likely to be implemented in the next few months.
What about 24-hour visa-free transit through China?
If you're just transiting through China to another country, and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa.
You may stay for up to 24 hours without a visa. This remains the same even if other visa rules change.
