China Visa Update — 18 July 2026

visa • 18 July 2026

As of July 2026, **Australian citizens** can enter China **visa-free for up to 30 days** for tourism, business, family visits, or transit, with this policy extended through **31 December 2026** [2][11][13]. This unilateral exemption covers ordinary passport holders and is one of four distinct visa-free pathways China currently operates, alongside bilateral agreements, a 240-hour transit scheme, and a Hainan-specific exemption [2]. For tourists whose countries are not on the 30-day list (including the **United States**, **India**, and **Indonesia**), China offers a **240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit** policy valid through 65 ports in 24 provinces, provided travelers are en route to a third country [2][4][7]. The 240-hour transit scheme covers 55 countries and allows stays of up to 10 days without a visa, expanding on the previous 144-hour rule effective from December 2024 [4][7]. China’s expanded visa-waiver policies have driven a significant surge in inbound tourism in the first half of 2026, with visitors increasingly exploring inland destinations, border cities, and shopping hubs beyond gateway cities like Beijing and Shanghai [12][15]. The policy aims to encourage international tourists to “judge China for yourselves” by lowering entry barriers and simplifying travel processes [1].

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