Current status for Australian passport holders
Australia is included in China's unilateral visa-free policy, allowing Australian ordinary passport holders to enter for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, and transit. Before every trip, verify current eligibility: visa-free FAQ.
Policy effective periods and scope can be updated. Always check the current mission-level page close to your booking date.
If your passport is currently visa-free eligible
When eligible, Australian ordinary passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchange, and transit.
Even without a visa sticker, bring itinerary and accommodation evidence. Airline check-in staff may request proof that your trip fits the stated purpose conditions. Keep documents easy to access.
Transit fallback if needed
If your specific case falls outside visa-free eligibility, evaluate 240-hour transit only when your route is clearly A-China-B with a confirmed onward booking to a different third country or region, and your entry port is on the designated list.
Use the NIA page for current operational details: NIA transit notice.
Regular visa route when certainty matters
If conditions are uncertain or your stay exceeds 30 days, apply for a regular visa before departure. Use the official COVA portal and follow the instructions from your local Chinese mission: COVA portal.
Build schedule buffer for processing. Workload, missing documents, and local processing windows vary by jurisdiction.
Arrival and first-day compliance
NIA supports online arrival-card submission before landing and airport-side completion via kiosk or paper: arrival-card notice.
Hotels register guests directly. Private accommodation stays require local public security registration within 24 hours: Article 39 guidance.
Primary references
Confirm your entry path before booking.
Run the visa checker with your exact passport and itinerary. It turns this guide into a route you can execute.