China Visa Update — 16 June 2026
visa • 16 June 2026
China’s visa policy for tourists in 2026 is **more favourable for many travellers**, with Australia included in the current **30-day visa-free entry** arrangements listed for 2026. Australia’s Smartraveller page also notes a **visa waiver programme effective until 31 December 2026**, and says travellers must complete an **electronic arrival card** before or on arrival.[1][2] According to China Travel News/SIAL China’s June 2026 policy summary, **Australia** is among the APAC countries allowed **30-day visa-free entry** under the unilateral visa-free list through **31 December 2026**.[1] The same summary also lists several other tourism-friendly categories, including **mutual visa-exemption countries** such as **Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Qatar and Kazakhstan**.[1] For Australian travellers, the most practical takeaway is that short leisure trips may be possible **without a visa** if your trip fits the current exemption conditions, but you should still check the **passport type**, **length of stay**, and any entry-form requirements before booking.[1][2] If your visit does not qualify for visa-free entry, Smartraveller advises checking the **Chinese Embassy** for the correct visa type and eligibility requirements.[2]Sources
- https://www.sialchina.com/media/pressrelease/2026-06-12/4699
- https://visaexpress.com/visa-for-china-from-us/
- https://www.instagram.com/p/DZYG380F3I-/
- https://www.facebook.com/overseastourismpromotion/posts/%EF%B8%8F%EF%B8%8F-only-2-days-to-go-%EF%B8%8F%EF%B8%8F-ni-hao-china-from-15-june-to-15-october-2026-all-chinese/1315668620747996/
- https://th.usembassy.gov/visas/