China Visa Update — 23 April 2026

visa • 23 April 2026

**China has extended its 30-day visa-free entry scheme through 31 December 2026, explicitly including Australia among nearly 50 eligible countries for Australian tourists.** This unilateral policy, confirmed by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 15 April 2026, allows ordinary passport holders from Australia to enter mainland China for tourism, business meetings, family visits, short-term exchanges, or transit without a prior visa application[1]. Stays are limited to 30 calendar days, non-extendable, with overstays facing RMB 500 daily fines and potential five-year re-entry bans—plan your itinerary accordingly to make the most of this exciting opportunity[1]. Australian travellers can now book trips with greater confidence, as forward-booking data shows seat capacity from top eligible countries rising 18% for May-June 2026 compared to 2025[1]. Complementing this, the 240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit policy covers 54-55 countries including Australia, ideal for layovers in 24 provinces with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country—perfect for adding a quick Beijing or Shanghai adventure to your journey[3][4]. All entrants must complete the digital China Arrival Card online or on arrival, selecting the appropriate entry type for seamless processing[3]. According to VisaHQ, this extension enhances China's appeal as a top destination for conferences and cultural exploration[1].

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