China Visa Update — 11 June 2026

visa • 11 June 2026

China’s **2026 tourist visa picture** is still being driven more by **visa-free entry** and transit options than by new tourist visa rule changes for Australians. The latest reporting shows China extended its **30-day visa-free access for Russian nationals through 31 December 2027**, while the trial visa-free arrangement for **Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru and Uruguay** ran from **1 June 2025 to 31 May 2026** for short stays of up to **30 days** for tourism, business, family visits, exchange visits and transit.[1] For **Australian travellers**, the sources provided do **not** show a new China tourist visa policy announced specifically for Australia, so the practical takeaway is to check whether your itinerary qualifies for a **visa-free stay** or **transit exemption** before booking.[1][2] China’s broader entry framework in 2026 still includes expanded short-stay visa-free pathways for a growing list of countries, alongside standard visa applications for travellers who do not meet exemption rules.[2] According to **China Daily/People’s Daily reporting via CGTN and People’s Daily**, inbound travel has continued to benefit from these easier entry settings, with Shanghai border data showing strong use of the visa-free option by travellers from the Latin American trial countries.[1]

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