China Extends 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit to Australian Passport Holders
visa • 28 February 2026
China has officially confirmed the extension of its 240-hour visa-free transit policy for Australian passport holders through the end of 2026. The policy, which was initially introduced as a temporary measure, now covers 54 ports of entry across 38 Chinese cities. Travellers transiting through major hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu can stay for up to 10 days without a visa, provided they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country. Australian travel agents report a significant uptick in bookings since the announcement, with multi-city itineraries becoming particularly popular. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs has updated its Smartraveller advisory to reflect the extended policy, noting that travellers should still carry documentation of their onward travel arrangements.