China Visa Update — 4 November 2026
visa • 4 November 2026
Australian travellers can currently enter mainland China **visa-free for up to 30 days** for tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit. The arrangement is scheduled to remain valid until **31 December 2026**; employment and study are excluded and require the appropriate visa.[8] The 30-day period begins at midnight on the day after arrival, making the policy useful for short breaks and multi-city itineraries. Travellers planning stays beyond 30 days, or trips in 2027, should check the latest requirements and allow time for a visa application if the arrangement is not extended.[8] China’s wider transit scheme also allows eligible nationalities to stay for up to **240 hours—10 days**—when travelling onwards to a third country or region, with entry through designated ports and travel restricted to approved areas.[1][4] For Australians, the direct 30-day exemption is generally the simpler option for a return holiday to China.Sources
- https://www.hometownstation.com/featured-stories/things-to-know-before-visiting-china-617038
- https://en.bjhd.gov.cn/home/focus/202610/t20261030_4833098.shtml
- https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/c32xeu8v5bil/
- https://lotsotravel.com/blog/china-visa-free-2027-esim
- https://e.vnexpress.net/news/travel/china-foreign-arrivals-rise-15-6-amid-visa-free-push-5136814.html