China Visa Update — 20 July 2026

visa • 20 July 2026

As of July 2026, **Australian citizens** can enter China **visa-free for up to 30 days** for tourism, business, or family visits, with this unilateral exemption confirmed to run through **31 December 2026** [1][3]. Travelers from the **United States**, **India**, and other non-listed nations can still visit without a traditional visa by using the **240-hour (10-day) visa-free transit** policy, which is valid at 65 ports across 24 provinces if traveling onward to a third country [1][4]. China has expanded its visa-free access to **passport holders from 50 countries** by mid-2026, including most of Europe, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Gulf states, allowing a 30-day stay with no application or fee [2][9]. This policy is part of China’s broader strategy to boost inbound consumption, with the **15th Five-Year Plan** pledging to further widen visa-free entry lists and streamline transit waivers [6]. In the first half of 2026 alone, China recorded **369 million border crossings**, a record 10.8% increase year-on-year, reflecting the success of these relaxed entry rules [3]. Australian travelers must still complete an **electronic arrival card** upon entry, even though no visa is required [11]. The 30-day exemption covers ordinary passport holders for tourism, business, exchanges, or transit, but excludes work, study, journalism, or settlement [1][9]. For those needing longer stays or different purposes, the traditional **L tourist visa** remains available for all nationalities [2].

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