Australia Tourist Visa
Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) · For China citizens
Planning a trip to Australia as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: required documents, current fee of AUD 200, processing times of 2 to 5 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. Chinese applicants have multiple visa streams available, including the Approved Destination Status (ADS) for organized tours.
Australia Tourist Visa for Chinese Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For China citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia
Complete the visa application online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal
Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Australian specifications
Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Australia without working
Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave
Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within Australia
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to China after your visit
Recommended (Optional)
A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to China
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay
Letter from your host in Australia inviting you to stay with them
Health examination or declaration may be required in certain circumstances
Character certificate showing no serious criminal history
Application Process
Chinese citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.1 Unlike citizens of some countries, Chinese passport holders are not eligible for the simplified ETA or eVisitor visas. However, Chinese citizens have access to special visa streams including the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream for organized tours and the Frequent Traveller stream for regular visitors.
1. Choose Your Visa Stream
Chinese citizens can apply under several streams:1
- Tourist Stream: For independent travelers visiting for tourism, family visits, or cruises
- Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: For organized tour groups through approved agents (faster processing)
- Frequent Traveller Stream: For regular visitors (up to 10 years validity, AUD 1,480)
2. Create an ImmiAccount
Register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to create your account. You will use this account to submit your application, upload documents, and track your application status.1
3. Complete the Application
Select the appropriate Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) stream and fill out all sections. You will need to provide:2
- Personal details and passport information
- Travel plans and intended dates
- Employment and financial information
- Details of any previous visa applications or refusals
- Health and character declarations
4. Upload Supporting Documents
Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Non-English documents must include certified translations.1
5. Pay the Fee
The application fee is AUD 200 for the Tourist Stream, payable online via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.
6. Wait for Processing
You will receive an acknowledgment with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Use this to track your application status in ImmiAccount. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 weeks for the Tourist Stream, or 2 to 5 days for the ADS stream.3
7. Receive Decision
Once decided, you will receive notification via email and in your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist Stream (outside Australia) | AUD 200 |
| Tourist Stream (inside Australia) | AUD 500 |
| ADS Stream | AUD 200 |
| Frequent Traveller Stream (up to 10 years) | AUD 1,480 |
| Biometric collection (if required) | Included |
| Health examination (if required) | Varies by provider |
The standard fee applies to stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. Payment is non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn.1
What You Need to Prove
Australia uses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Case officers must be satisfied that you:1
- Have a genuine purpose: Your reasons for visiting are legitimate tourism, family visit, or business
- Will leave Australia: You have strong reasons to return to China and will not overstay
- Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working
- Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
- Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk to Australia
Processing Times
Current processing times for the Tourist Stream (outside Australia):3
| Stream | 75% Processed | 90% Processed |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Stream | 20 days | 33 days |
| ADS Stream | 2 days | 5 days |
| Frequent Traveller | 5 days | 18 days |
Processing may take longer if:
- Additional documents are requested
- Health examination is required
- Information needs verification
- Application is incomplete
- Peak travel period (Chinese New Year, National Day holidays)
Apply at least 4 to 6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow time for processing.
Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream
The ADS stream is a special arrangement between Australia and China that allows Chinese citizens to travel to Australia as part of organized tour groups.4 Key features:
- Faster processing: 75% of applications processed within 2 days, 90% within 5 days
- Simplified documentation: The approved travel agent handles most paperwork
- Same fee: AUD 200
- Restriction: You must remain with the tour group throughout your visit
To use this stream, book your tour through one of the approved travel agents in China. Your travel agent will guide you through the visa application process.
After Your Visa is Approved
Your visa is granted electronically and linked to your passport number. You do not need a visa label or stamp. At check-in and arrival, your visa status will be verified electronically.
At the Australian border, you may be asked to demonstrate:1
- Return or onward flight arrangements
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Details of your travel plans
- Health insurance documentation
Border officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions or if your circumstances have changed since the visa was granted.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the specific reasons. Common next steps:
- Review the reasons carefully: The letter will cite specific grounds under Australian immigration law
- Address the concerns: Gather additional evidence that responds to the stated reasons
- Reapply when ready: There is no mandatory waiting period, but ensure your circumstances or documentation have improved
- Consider professional advice: For complex cases, a registered migration agent can help
There is no merits review or appeal right for Visitor Visa applications decided outside Australia. Your options are to reapply with stronger documentation or accept the decision.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not demonstrate adequate financial capacity to support the planned stay without working in Australia.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. A balance of AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay is recommended.
Weak Ties to China
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to China, raising concerns about intent to overstay the visa.
How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment, property ownership, Hukou registration, family dependents, ongoing business commitments, or educational enrollment in China.
Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns
Case officer doubts the applicant's intention to visit temporarily based on profile, travel history, or documentation patterns.
How to avoid: Be consistent across all documents. Your stated purpose, itinerary, and financial capacity should align logically. Previous positive travel history helps significantly.
Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
Missing documents, contradictory information across documents, or unexplained gaps in employment or travel history.
How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits.
Previous Immigration Issues
History of visa refusals, overstays, or violations in Australia or other countries.
How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances. Wait at least 6 months before reapplying if previously refused.
Unverifiable Information
Documents or claims that cannot be verified, or suspected fraudulent documentation.
How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents. Australian immigration has sophisticated verification systems and shares data with other countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Chinese citizens get an ETA or eVisitor for Australia?
No. Chinese passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. You must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which requires a full application with supporting documents.
What is the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream?
The ADS stream is specifically for Chinese citizens traveling to Australia as part of an organized tour group through an approved travel agent. It has faster processing times (typically 2 to 5 days) but requires you to remain with the tour group throughout your visit.
How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?
The Subclass 600 visa can be granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration is determined by the case officer based on your application. Most first-time applicants receive 3 or 6 month visas.
What is the Frequent Traveller stream?
Chinese citizens who travel regularly to Australia can apply for the Frequent Traveller stream, which grants a visa valid for up to 10 years with stays of up to 3 months each visit. The fee is AUD 1,480.
How much money do I need in my bank account?
There is no official minimum, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and activities for your entire stay. A guideline is AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay, plus return flights.
Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?
No. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) strictly prohibits any work, including remote work for Chinese employers. If caught working, your visa will be cancelled and you may face a ban on future applications.
How long does the Australia visa take from China?
Most Tourist Stream applications are processed within 20 to 33 days. The ADS stream for organized tour groups is much faster at 2 to 5 days. Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons.
Do I need to provide flight bookings with my application?
No, you do not need confirmed flight bookings. A travel itinerary showing intended dates and destinations is sufficient. The Australian government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.
What is the Australia tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2025?
The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream) is AUD 200. The Frequent Traveller stream costs AUD 1,480 for up to 10 years validity. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Can I extend my Australian tourist visa?
You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in Australia (fee AUD 500), but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must continue to meet all visa requirements.
What if my Australia visa is refused?
If refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. There is no appeal right for Visitor Visa refusals made outside Australia.
Do I need travel insurance for Australia?
Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Subclass 600 visa, but it is strongly recommended. Australia has expensive healthcare, and visitors are not covered by Medicare. Insurance can also strengthen your application.
Can I study on an Australian tourist visa?
You can undertake short-term study of up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa. For longer courses, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500).
What happens at the Australian border?
At the border, you may be asked to show return flight bookings, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and details of your travel plans. Immigration officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions.
Should I apply individually or through an organized tour?
Both options are valid. The ADS stream through approved tour operators is faster and simpler but requires you to stay with the group. Individual applications give you more flexibility but require more documentation and have longer processing times.