China Tourist Visa
L Visa (Tourist) / Visa-Free Entry · For Australia citizens
Planning a trip to China as an Australian citizen? Great news: you can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy, extended until December 31, 2026, covers tourism, business meetings, family visits, and transit. For stays longer than 30 days, you will need an L visa (tourist visa) which costs from AUD 94.50 and takes 4 working days to process.
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 from your entry date
Proof of your departure from China within the allowed stay period
Address where you will be staying in China
Recommended (Optional)
Evidence of funds to cover your stay in China
Complete online application through China Online Visa Processing System
Recent passport-size photograph meeting Chinese visa requirements
Visa-Free Entry for Australians
Since November 30, 2024, Australian citizens can enter China without a visa for stays up to 30 days.1 This policy has been extended until December 31, 2026.5
What is covered:
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Business meetings and negotiations
- Family visits
- Transit
- Exchanges and conferences
What is NOT covered:
- Employment or paid work (requires Z visa)
- Study programs (requires X visa)
- Journalism (requires J visa)
- Stays longer than 30 days (requires L visa)
Most Australian tourists can simply book their flights and arrive in China without any visa application.1
Entry Process for Visa-Free Travel
1. Book Your Travel
Ensure your trip to China is 30 days or less. Book return or onward flights within this timeframe.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Have ready: valid Australian passport (6+ months validity), return/onward ticket, accommodation details.
3. Arrive in China
Proceed to immigration and present your passport. You will receive an entry stamp allowing a 30-day stay.1
4. Register with Local Police
Within 24 hours of arrival, register your accommodation. Hotels do this automatically at check-in. If staying privately, register at the local police station.
When You Need an L Visa
Apply for an L (tourist) visa if:2
- Your trip exceeds 30 days
- You want flexibility for multiple entries
- You plan to exit and re-enter China multiple times
- You want to extend your stay while in China
L Visa Application Process
If you need a visa for a longer stay:2
1. Complete Online Application
Visit the China Online Visa Processing System at consular.mfa.gov.cn/VISA. Create an account and complete the application form.2
2. Gather Required Documents
Prepare your passport (6+ months validity, 2 blank pages), passport photo (48mm x 33mm, white background), round-trip air tickets, and hotel bookings.2
3. Submit at Visa Center
Submit your application and passport at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center:2
- Sydney: For residents of ACT, NT, NSW, QLD
- Melbourne: For residents of VIC, TAS, WA, SA
As of September 2025, the Canberra, Perth, and Brisbane centers no longer accept applications.
4. Provide Biometrics
First-time applicants must provide fingerprints at the visa center. Exemptions apply for applicants under 14, over 70, or who provided fingerprints within the last 5 years.2
5. Collect Your Visa
Pick up your passport with the visa, or have it mailed to you (additional fee applies).
Fees
Visa-Free Entry
| Entry Type | Fee | Stay Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Visa-free | Free | Up to 30 days |
L Visa Fees (for stays over 30 days)
| Visa Type | Regular (4 days) | Express (2-3 days) | Rush (1 day) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | AUD 94.50 | AUD 152 | AUD 194 |
| Double Entry | AUD 117.50 | AUD 175 | AUD 217 |
| 6-Month Multiple | AUD 139.50 | AUD 197 | AUD 239 |
| 12-Month Multiple | AUD 184.50 | AUD 242 | AUD 284 |
Fees valid until December 31, 2025 (reduced rates).4 Service center fees may apply in addition.
Police Registration Requirement
All foreigners in China must register their accommodation with local police within 24 hours of arrival.3
If staying at a hotel: The hotel registers you automatically at check-in. Keep your registration slip.
If staying privately (with friends, family, or rented accommodation): You and your host must visit the local police station to register. Bring your passport and the host’s ID.
Failure to register can result in warnings, fines, or detention.
After Arrival
At Chinese immigration, have these documents accessible:
- Valid Australian passport
- Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
- Accommodation address
Immigration officers have discretion to ask additional questions about your travel plans. Be prepared to explain your itinerary if asked.
Important Restrictions
30-Day Limit is Strict
The visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you want to stay longer, you must:1
- Exit China and re-enter (starts a new 30-day period)
- Or apply for an L visa before your trip
Hong Kong and Macau
Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems. If you visit Hong Kong or Macau from mainland China and then return, it counts as a new entry into China.1
Tibet
Foreign tourists visiting Tibet require a Tibet Travel Permit in addition to any visa requirements. This must be arranged through a licensed travel agency as independent travel to Tibet is not permitted.
If Entry is Denied
Entry denial for Australian tourists is rare. Common reasons include:
- Passport validity less than 6 months
- Attempting visa-free entry with travel plans over 30 days
- Previous immigration violations in China
- Being on China’s entry blacklist
If denied entry, you will typically be returned on the next available flight at your own expense. There is no appeal process at the border.
To minimize risk:
- Ensure your passport has 6+ months validity
- Have clear proof your stay is under 30 days
- Book accommodation in advance
- Have your return ticket ready to show
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Passport Validity Less Than 6 Months
Your passport does not have the required 6 months validity from your entry date.
How to avoid: Check your passport expiry before traveling. If it expires within 6 months of your trip, renew it first.
Stay Exceeds 30 Days Without Visa
Attempting to enter visa-free but with travel plans exceeding 30 days.
How to avoid: If your trip is longer than 30 days, apply for an L visa before departure.
Incomplete L Visa Application
Missing documents, incorrect information, or blurry photos in L visa application.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents and ensure photos meet the strict Chinese visa requirements.
Previous Immigration Violations
History of overstaying, deportation, or being on China's immigration blacklist.
How to avoid: If you have past violations in China, contact the Chinese Embassy before planning your trip.
Suspicious Travel Purpose
Immigration officers doubt the stated purpose of travel based on itinerary or documentation.
How to avoid: Have clear documentation of your travel plans including hotel bookings and return ticket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Australians need a visa to visit China?
No, for stays up to 30 days. Australian citizens with ordinary passports can enter China visa-free for tourism, business, family visits, transit, and exchanges until December 31, 2026. For stays over 30 days, an L visa is required.
How long can Australians stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per visit. The visa-free policy allows stays of maximum 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, transit, and exchanges. You cannot extend your stay under visa-free entry.
Can I extend my visa-free stay in China?
No. The 30-day visa-free stay cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must exit China and re-enter, or apply for an L visa before your trip.
How much does the China L visa cost for Australians?
The L visa fees are: Single entry AUD 94.50 (regular processing), Double entry AUD 117.50, 6-month multiple entry AUD 139.50, 12-month multiple entry AUD 184.50. Express and rush processing cost more.
How long does the China L visa take to process?
Regular processing takes 4 working days. Express processing (2-3 days) costs AUD 152 for single entry. Rush processing (1 day) costs AUD 194 for single entry.
Where do Australians apply for a China L visa?
Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers in Sydney (for ACT, NT, NSW, QLD residents) or Melbourne (for VIC, TAS, WA, SA residents). Applications are submitted through the China Online Visa Processing System.
When does the China visa-free policy for Australians expire?
The current visa-free policy for Australian citizens is valid until December 31, 2026. It was extended from the previous December 2025 deadline.
What purposes are covered under visa-free entry?
Tourism, business meetings, family visits, exchanges, and transit are all covered under the visa-free policy. Working, studying, or journalism activities still require appropriate visas.
Do I need to register with police in China?
Yes. All foreigners must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. If staying at a hotel, the hotel handles registration automatically when you check in. If staying privately, you must register at the local police station.
Can I work in China on visa-free entry or a tourist visa?
No. Working in China requires a Z visa (work visa) and a work permit. Working on visa-free entry or an L visa is illegal and can result in fines, detention, and deportation.
What happens if I overstay in China?
Overstaying is a serious offense. Penalties include fines of RMB 500 per day (up to RMB 10,000), detention for up to 15 days, deportation, and a potential ban on future entry to China.
Can I visit Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan during my visa-free stay?
Hong Kong and Macau have separate immigration systems. Visiting them and returning to mainland China counts as a new entry. Taiwan is considered a separate jurisdiction by both Australia and China, with its own visa requirements.