China Tourism Update — 21 August 2026

tourism • 21 August 2026

China’s latest traveller updates are centred on **visa policy changes, transit access, and tighter document checks**. For Australian tourists, the most practical takeaway is that **visa-free and transit options are still available**, but officials are also moving to verify travel purposes and paperwork more closely.[2][3] According to China.org.cn, **Kyrgyzstan and Vietnam** were added on **20 August 2026** to China’s **240-hour visa-free transit** programme, lifting the total to **57 eligible countries**; Australia remains included in the scheme, which allows up to **10 days** in China via **65 ports** when travellers are en route to a third country.[3][5] The same update says the **Hainan 30-day visa-free entry** list has expanded to **61 countries**, and the permitted activities during these visa-free stays include **tourism, business, exchange visits and family visits**.[3] A separate change takes effect on **15 September 2026**: Xinhua-reported regulations will require applicants to state a **truthful and lawful purpose** when entering, leaving, staying in, or residing in China, and false documents or statements can lead to refusal of entry or exit.[1][2] China also plans to strengthen travel warnings for destinations facing serious risks such as conflict, crime, natural disasters or disease outbreaks, while the transport ministry has announced plans to develop about **60,000 kilometres** of routes tailored for road trips by **2030**, which should be useful for self-drive travellers and scenic overland itineraries.[1][6]

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