Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Australia

1. Visa Necessity for Australian Travelers

• Visa-Free Period: From July 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025, Australian passport holders can stay visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, family visits, exchange activities, or transit.
• Permitted Purposes: Tourism, business meetings, visiting relatives/friends, cultural exchanges, or transit via China.
• Restrictions:
  • Not applicable for work, long-term study (>30 days), or residency purposes.
  • Entry must be through designated ports (air, land, sea).

2. Visa Types and Eligibility

Tourist Visa (L Visa)

• Purpose: Short-term tourism or family visits (beyond 30 days).
• Validity: Typically 90 days to 1 year (multiple entries).
• Maximum Stay: 30 days per entry (extendable).
• Required Materials:
  • Passport valid for ≥6 months.
  • Round-trip flight itinerary and hotel reservations.
  • Invitation letter (if visiting friends/family, with copy of host’s Chinese ID).

Business Visa (M Visa)

• Purpose: Business trips, trade fairs, or commercial activities.
• Validity: 6 months to 1 year (multiple entries).
• Required Materials:
  • Invitation letter from a Chinese company (including itinerary and cost coverage).
  • Copy of the Chinese company’s business license or cooperation agreement.

Work Visa (Z Visa)

• Purpose: Employment in China.
• Validity: Matches employment contract duration (up to 1 year).
• Required Materials:
  • Chinese work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources.
  • Medical exam certificate for stays >6 months.

Study Visa (X1/X2 Visa)

• X1 Visa: Long-term study (>180 days; requires JW201/JW202 form + 录取通知书).
• X2 Visa: Short-term study (≤180 days; requires 入学通知书).

Family Visit Visa (S1/S2 Visa)

• S1 Visa: Long-term visits (>180 days) for immediate family of Chinese residents (proof of relationship required).
• S2 Visa: Short-term visits (≤180 days; invitation letter and proof of relationship needed).

3. Application Process

1. Online Application:
   • Complete the COVA form and schedule an appointment.
   • Print and sign the form, attach passport, photos, and supporting documents.
2. Submission:
   • Submit materials at a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Australia.
   • Mail-in applications accepted in some cities (e.g., Canberra, Melbourne, Perth).
3. Biometric Data:
   • Fingerprint collection mandatory for applicants aged 14–70.
4. Processing Time:
   • Standard: 4 business days.
   • Express: 3 business days (additional fee).

4. Fees and Payment

• Visa Fees (AUD):
  • Single entry: AUD 45
  • 6-month multiple entries: AUD 90
  • 12-month multiple entries: AUD 135
• Service Fees:
  • Standard: AUD 49.50
  • Express: AUD 77 (3 days) or AUD 99 (2 days)
• Payment Methods: Credit cards (Visa/MasterCard/UnionPay), bank checks, or money orders.

5. Embassy and Consulate Contacts

• Embassy of China in Canberra:
  • Address: 15 Coronation Drive, Yarralumla, ACT 2600
  • Tel: +61-2-6273-4780
• Consulates-General:
  • Sydney: Level 9, 39 Dunblane Street, Camperdown NSW 2050
  • Melbourne: 75-77 Irving Road, Toorak VIC 3142
  • Brisbane: Level 9, 79 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

6. Key Tips

• Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are clear and complete. Invitations must include host contact details.
• Health Requirements: Medical exams required for stays >6 months.
• Transit Policies:
  • 24-hour visa-free transit: All international airports.
  • 144-hour transit: Available in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou (verify destination visa requirements).
• Policy Updates: Check the Chinese Consular Service Network or contact local missions for the latest information.