China visa-free entry for Australians: what you need to know (2026)

Who is eligible

• Ordinary Australian passport holders travelling for tourism, business, family or friend visits, exchange visits, or transit.
• Stays of up to 30 days per entry.
• The policy covers entry at China's open ports — including the international airports and the rail/port entry points relevant to our itineraries.

Not covered, or not clearly covered: paid work in China, journalism, long-term study, and stays over 30 days — those still need the appropriate visa. If your situation is unusual (dual nationality, previous visa refusals, a passport issued very recently), check with the Chinese Embassy or a visa centre before booking anything non-refundable.

What to have ready at the border

• Your passport (we recommend at least 6 months' validity beyond your trip, as airlines enforce this).
• Your onward/return travel details and first hotel name — officers may ask where you're staying.
• A completed arrival card (paper on the plane or digital where available).
• Fingerprints and a photo are collected on arrival for most travellers — normal and quick.

Visa-free entry vs the 240-hour transit scheme — don't confuse them

What happens after 31 December 2026?

As of October 2026, the 30-day policy is announced through 31 December 2026 and a further extension has not been confirmed. China has extended the policy before, but “probably extended” is not a plan.

If you're travelling in early 2027, either book with flexible arrangements or be ready to apply for a tourist visa if the policy lapses — we'll update this page as soon as anything official is announced, and every traveller booked with us gets the current entry requirements in their trip documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I enter more than once?

The policy allows entry for eligible purposes; multiple trips are common (for example, Australians combining a China trip with a Hong Kong visit and re-entering). Each stay must be within 30 days, and border officers make the final decision — if you're planning several entries, keep your itinerary and bookings handy.

Does Hong Kong count as leaving China?

For entry purposes, Hong Kong is a separate immigration jurisdiction — Australians enter Hong Kong visa-free separately. A Sydney → China → Hong Kong → home trip is straightforward; a China → Hong Kong → China trip uses a second entry to China, which the 30-day policy supports in principle for eligible travellers.

I have a Chinese visa in my passport already — can I still use visa-free entry?

Generally you can enter under whichever basis suits the trip, but if your visa type matters to you (for example, a multi-year business visa), check with the Embassy first so an entry stamp doesn't complicate anything.

Do I need any health declarations or apps?

Routine health declaration requirements have eased, but rules can change. Check the official sources below in the week before you fly — and if you travel with us, we check for you as part of your trip preparation.

Official sources & verification

Before you travel, verify your eligibility with official government authorities:

• Chinese Embassy in Australia — FAQs on Visa-free Entry into China ↗

  Official embassy publication detailing the 48-country roster including Australia, duration rules (30 days from day after entry), and extension parameters.

• National Immigration Administration of China — Visa-Free Transit Policies ↗

  NIA regulatory documentation setting out port eligibility, entry inspection rules, and transit policy definitions.

• Smartraveller — China Travel Advice & Safety (Australian DFAT) ↗

  Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advisory, entry guidance, and consular assistance information.