China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist) · For Australia citizens
Great news for Australian travellers! China currently offers visa-free entry for stays up to 30 days until December 31, 2026. For longer stays, you will need an L (Tourist) visa costing AUD 94.50 with 4-6 days processing. This guide covers both the visa-free policy and traditional visa requirements.
China Tourist Visa for Australian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Australia citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months with blank pages
Complete the online application form through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center
Recent colour photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
Round-trip flight booking or itinerary showing entry and exit from China
Proof of accommodation for your stay in China
Recommended (Optional)
Australian passport holders can enter China without a visa for up to 30 days
Visa-Free Entry for Australians
Australian passport holders currently enjoy visa-free access to China for stays up to 30 days.1 This policy is effective until December 31, 2026 and covers:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Family visits to relatives in China
- Transit to third countries
Simply arrive at any Chinese port of entry with your valid Australian passport. No advance application is required.1
Important: If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for an L (Tourist) visa before travel.
L Visa Application Process
For stays exceeding 30 days, follow these steps to apply for an L visa:2
1. Complete Online Application
Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website and complete the online application form.2 Use Google Chrome for best compatibility. You will create an account and receive an Application ID.
2. Gather Documents
Prepare your supporting documents:2
- Valid Australian passport (6+ months validity, 2+ blank pages)
- Printed and signed application form
- Passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background)
- Round-trip flight itinerary
- Hotel reservations or invitation letter
3. Submit Application
Submit your application at a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre:2
- Sydney: Level 19, 44 Market Street
- Melbourne: Suite 903, 601 Bourke Street
- Brisbane: Level 4, 138 Albert Street
- Perth: Level 4, 28 The Esplanade
- Darwin: Shop 3, 2A Carey Street
You can also submit by postal mail with prepaid return envelope.
4. Pay Fees
Pay the visa fee at submission:2
- Debit or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, UnionPay)
- Cash and American Express not accepted
5. Collect Passport
Return to collect your passport with visa, or receive it by post if you included a prepaid envelope.2 Processing takes 4-6 business days for regular service.
Fees
Visa-Free Entry
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa-free (up to 30 days) | Free |
L Visa (for stays over 30 days)
| Processing Speed | Single Entry | Double Entry | Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular (4-6 days) | AUD 94.50 | AUD 119.50 | AUD 134.50 |
| Express (2-3 days) | AUD 152 | AUD 177 | AUD 192 |
| Rush (1 day) | AUD 194 | AUD 219 | AUD 234 |
All fees include GST and service charges.2 China has reduced regular visa fees for all travellers until December 31, 2025.
What You Need to Prove
For visa-free entry, you only need:1
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Genuine tourist purpose for visiting China
- Intent to depart within 30 days
For an L visa application, you must also demonstrate:2
- Confirmed travel plans with flight itinerary
- Accommodation arrangements throughout your stay
- Sufficient funds for the duration of your visit
Processing Times
| Service Level | Timeframe | Additional Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Regular | 4-6 business days | Included in base fee |
| Express | 2-3 business days | +AUD 57.50 |
| Rush | 1 business day | +AUD 99.50 |
Processing times are calculated from the day after your application is accepted.2 Times may vary during Chinese public holidays and peak travel seasons.
After Arrival in China
Visa-Free Visitors
- Present your Australian passport at immigration
- Receive entry stamp valid for 30 days
- Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival (hotels do this automatically)
- Depart before your 30 days expires
L Visa Holders
- Present passport with L visa at immigration
- Stay within the validity and duration specified on your visa
- Register with local police within 24 hours if not staying at a registered hotel
- Multiple-entry visa holders can exit and re-enter during validity period
If Your Visa is Refused
L visa refusals are uncommon for Australian applicants with complete documentation. If refused:
- Review the reason provided by the visa centre
- Correct any issues with your application or documents
- Reapply with improved documentation
- Consider timing as close to travel date as practical
The visa fee is non-refundable for refused applications. For complex situations, consider using a registered migration agent or visa service.2
Note that visa-free entry cannot be “refused” in advance, but you may be denied entry at the Chinese border if you don’t meet the requirements or if there are concerns about your travel purpose.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete Documentation
Missing required documents such as flight bookings, hotel reservations, or properly formatted photos.
How to avoid: Use the document checklist on the visa centre website. Ensure all documents are provided before submission.
Application Form Errors
Errors or inconsistencies in the application form, including mismatched dates or incorrect passport details.
How to avoid: Review your application carefully before printing. Ensure all dates and details match your travel documents.
Insufficient Travel Purpose
Unclear or unconvincing explanation of travel purpose, or itinerary that doesn't match stated intentions.
How to avoid: Provide a clear, realistic itinerary. If visiting specific sites, mention them in your application.
Previous Visa Issues
History of visa violations, overstays, or refusals to China or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about travel history. Provide explanation letters for any previous issues.
Photo Non-Compliance
Photo does not meet Chinese visa specifications for size, background, or quality.
How to avoid: Get photos taken at a professional shop familiar with Chinese visa requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa for China in 2025?
No, for stays up to 30 days. Australia is included in China's visa-free policy effective until December 31, 2026. You can enter for tourism, business, family visits, or transit without applying for a visa. For stays longer than 30 days, you need an L (Tourist) visa.
How long can Australians stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per visit under the current visa-free policy. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an L visa before travel or exit and re-enter (though frequent entries may raise questions).
What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?
Just your valid Australian passport with at least 6 months validity. No advance application, photos, or booking confirmations are required. However, immigration may ask about your accommodation and return travel.
How much does a China tourist visa cost for Australians?
If you need an L visa for longer stays, the fee is AUD 94.50 for single entry with regular processing. Express processing costs AUD 152, and rush processing costs AUD 194. These fees include GST and service charges.
How long does China visa processing take?
Regular processing takes 4-6 business days. Express service (2-3 days) and rush service (1 day) are available for additional fees. Processing times may vary during peak travel seasons.
Can I work on a Chinese tourist visa?
No, the L visa and visa-free entry are strictly for tourism and related activities. Any paid work requires a Z (Work) visa with employer sponsorship. Violation of visa conditions can result in fines, detention, and deportation.
Where can I apply for a China visa in Australia?
Through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Darwin. You can submit applications in person or by post. Online application forms must be completed first at visaforchina.cn.
Will the China visa-free policy for Australians be extended?
The current policy runs until December 31, 2026. China has been progressively extending and expanding its visa-free policies, so extension is possible but not guaranteed. Check the Chinese Embassy website for the latest updates before travel.