Currently, we don't offer the 10-year China Visa, but as an Australian citizen, you can apply for the following different China visas:
Are you an Aussie planning to visit the People’s Republic of China for tourism, business, or family and friends? You're in luck because getting a China tourist visa for Australian citizens is now easier than ever.
Applying for a China tourist visa was daunting, but we’ve made it super easy with our simplified online guided visa application service.
This blog aims to answer all your questions about getting a China visa from Australia. So you can focus on planning the perfect getaway to Mainland China instead of being tied down by paperwork.
Do Australian citizens need a visa for China?
Do you need a valid Chinese visa to enter the country? The short answer is yes; Australian citizens need a visa to visit China, whether it's for tourism, business, or any other purpose.
Chinese visa options for Australian passport holders
Many valid visa options exist for Australian passport holders who wish to visit China. Some of the most common include:
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Tourist (L) Visa - This visa is suitable for those traveling to China for leisure or tourism purposes. It allows for a stay of up to 30 days Per Entry and can be valid for up to 1 year after issued.
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Business (M) Visa - This visa is intended for those traveling to China for business purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiating with Chinese partners. It also allows for a stay of up to 30 days Per Entry and can be valid for up to 90 days after issued.
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Work (Z) Visa - This visa is for those who have secured a job in China and intend to work there. It requires an invitation letter from the employer in China and is valid for up to 90 days.
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Student (X) Visa - This visa is intended for those accepted to study at a university or school in China. It requires an admission letter from the institution and is valid for the duration of the study program.
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Transit (G) Visa - This visa is for those transiting through China to a third destination. It allows for a stay of up to 72 hours (without leaving the airport) or 144 hours (with a visa-free transit policy), depending on the airport and nationality.
What is the China Tourist Visa for Australian citizens?
A China tourist visa allows you to enter China for non-business purposes and stay up to 30 days Per Entry. With a China tourist visa, you can explore the country's incredible cultural and historical landmarks, taste its delicious cuisine, and experience its unique customs and traditions.
The China tourist visa for Australian citizens is a convenient option for those who plan to visit China multiple times. However, it's important to note that the visa holder cannot work or study in China with a tourist visa which you can apply for online or in person at the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in Australia.
The application process can be very complicated in-person, so we’ve simplified and refined the application process so you can apply from the comfort of your home.
Note: You must apply for a separate visa if you plan to visit Hong Kong on the same trip (if applicable). Additional permits may also be required if you plan to visit Tibet.
Am I eligible for a China Tourist Visa in Australia?
Australian citizens planning to visit China for leisure or tourism must meet these basic eligibility requirements for obtaining a China tourist visa in Australia:
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Hold a valid Australian passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry into China.
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Have proof of travel arrangements, such as a flight itinerary and hotel bookings.
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Have evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in China.
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Have no criminal record or pose a threat to China's national security or public health.
If you meet these requirements, you are generally eligible to apply for a China tourist visa as an Australian citizen. Remember that additional conditions may apply depending on your circumstances, so it's always a good idea to check with a reliable visa service or the Chinese embassy or consulate in Australia to ensure you have all the necessary documents and information.
How long is the China Tourist Visa valid for Australian citizens?
The validity of a China Tourist Visa for Australian citizens can vary depending on the visa category, duration of stay, and the embassy or consulate that issued the visa.
Typically, a Single Entry tourist visa expires after 90 days after issued, while a double-entry or multiple-entry tourist visa can be valid for six months to one year.
Australian citizens are allowed to stay in China for a duration of 30 days Per Entry with the possibility of extending for another 30 days if needed.
However, it's essential to plan and apply for the China Tourist Visa in advance to avoid overstaying, which can result in penalties, detention, deportation, and even a ban on future entry into China. Australian citizens must comply with the visa requirements and respect the permitted duration of stay in China to avoid unwanted consequences.
China Tourist Visa application: How to get a visa for China from Australia
To apply for the China Tourist Visa, you will need to follow these steps:
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Step 1: Complete our simplified and easy visa application form online with your travel details and personal information, such as gender, date of birth, and passport number.
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Step 2: Pay the iVisa processing fee with a credit or debit card. We also accept Paypal, Venmo, and Amazon Pay. Then submit the documents required according to the instructions and tips you have received by email.
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Step 3: Attend the China Embassy appointment with any other documents requested and pay the government visa fee.
Then, simply wait for your visa notification letter by email and prepare to travel!
With our complete guide, step-by-step instructions, and tips and tricks, you'll have the highest chance of approval! On top of that, an iVisa expert will carefully check all your information, along with your supporting documents, to avoid errors and missing paperwork.
Apply for your China Tourist Visa today!
How to prepare for the China Tourist Visa interview for Australian citizens?
To prepare for a China tourist visa interview as an Australian citizen, you should follow these steps:
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Review the visa application requirements and ensure all necessary documents are prepared before the interview.
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Dress professionally and arrive on time for the interview appointment.
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Be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of your trip to China, your itinerary, and your travel plans.
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If you have previously traveled to China, be prepared to provide details about your previous trips and any relevant visas you may have held.
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Be honest and direct in your answers, and avoid giving false information or \misrepresentations.
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If you're unsure about a question, don't be afraid to ask the interviewer for clarification.
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Bring any additional documents or materials that support your visa application, such as proof of financial resources or travel insurance.
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Stay calm and composed throughout the interview, and be respectful to the interviewer.
China Tourist Visa fee: Cost of the visa for Australian citizens
The costs vary depending on many factors, including your location. In 2023, there is currently no government fee for Australian applicants. You will only be required to pay the iVisa processing fee of USD $149.99 when you apply through us.
When you reach the payment portion of the application on our site, you will also be given the option to add additional services such as an iVisa Plus subscription, Premium Concierge Service, Embassy Registration, or Premium Photo Services.
We also offer iVisa Fee Protection, which allows us to process a new application for no additional processing fee if you are unable to make your trip, as well as the option to get a flight reservation or itinerary that is valid for 2 weeks and can be used to apply for a visa, as proof of return to show to immigration officers while traveling, for car rental purposes, etc.
All these additional services carry varying costs. Use our application form to check your application's total cost based on your circumstances.
What is the China Tourist Visa processing time for Australian citizens?
The standard processing of the Chinese Tourist Visa usually takes up to 30 days from when your visa application form is submitted to the government.
China Tourist Visa requirements for Australian citizens
If you are an Australian citizen planning to visit China as a tourist and apply for a China tourist visa, there are specific requirements that you need to meet. See the list below.

Necessary documents for the China Tourist Visa for Australian citizens
Here's a list of the necessary documents that Australian citizens will need to provide when applying for a China tourist visa:
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A valid Australian passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
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A completed China tourist visa application form, with all required fields filled out accurately and completely.
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One recent passport-sized photograph, with a white background.
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Proof of round-trip flight tickets, indicating your trip's entry and exit dates.
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Hotel reservations or a letter of invitation from a Chinese citizen or an organization in China.
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Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your expenses during your stay in China, such as bank statements or pay slips.
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A travel itinerary detailing your planned activities and destinations in China.
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For first-time applicants or those with a new passport, a copy of your Australian citizenship certificate or permanent resident visa.
Please note that these are the basic requirements. Additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances or the specific needs of the Chinese embassy or consulate where you apply.
China Tourist Visa requirements for children of Australian citizens
If you're an Australian citizen planning to travel to China with your child, you'll need to make sure you meet the China tourist visa requirements for children:
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A completed China tourist visa application form for the child, with all required fields filled out accurately and completely.
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A valid passport for the child, with at least six months of validity remaining.
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One recent passport-sized photograph of the child with a white background.
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A copy of the child's birth certificate.
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A copy of the parent's passports or ID cards.
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Proof of the child's relationship to the parent(s), such as a family certificate or parent’s marriage certificate.
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A travel itinerary for the child detailing their planned activities and destinations in China.
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Proof of financial means to cover the child's expenses during their stay in China, such as bank statements or pay slips.
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For children traveling without their parents or legal guardians, a letter of consent from the absent parent(s) or legal guardian(s) authorizing the child to travel to China.
It's important to note that additional documents may be required depending on your circumstances or the requirements of the Chinese embassy or consulate where you apply.
China Tourist Visa passport requirements for Australian citizens
As an Australian citizen applying for a China tourist visa, you'll need to ensure that your passport:
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Has at least six months of validity remaining from the date of your intended departure from China.
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Has at least one blank visa page for the visa sticker.
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Is in good condition, with no major tears, water damage, or other significant damage that could affect the visa process.
When applying for a new visa, you may also be required to provide:
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A copy of any previous Chinese visas in your passport. It must be a photocopy of the visa page, not the original page.
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Provide both your previous passport and new passport when applying for your China tourist visa if you’ve recently renewed your passport.
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If you changed from a Chinese passport to an Australian passport, you may be required to provide a copy of your old Chinese passport or a renunciation certificate.
China Tourist Visa photo requirements for Australian citizens
As an Australian citizen applying for a China tourist visa, you must provide a recent passport-sized photograph with your application. The photo must:
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Be in color and printed on high-quality photo paper.
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Be taken against a plain, light-colored background.
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Show you facing the camera directly, with a neutral expression and your mouth closed.
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Have your face taking up 70-80% of the image, and your head must be centered in the frame.
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Not show you wearing any headwearunless for religious reasons, and your face must be visible from the bottom of your chin to the top of your forehead.
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Not show you wearing glasses or other accessories that could obstruct your face or cast shadows.
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Be 33mm wide and 48mm high, with the distance from the top of your head to the bottom of your chin measuring between 28mm and 33mm.
If you need updated passport photos, use our Photo Service to obtain government-compliant pictures from the comfort of your home.
My China Tourist Visa for Australian citizens was denied. What should I do?
If you're an iVisa client and your China Tourist Visa application in Australia was denied, we can assist you in reapplying. As a professional visa agency, we have experience with visa applications for various countries, including China.
We'll help you review the reason for the denial, provide guidance on reapplying, and ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
However, it's essential to note that the Chinese embassy or consulate has the final say in the visa application process, and the decision to grant or deny a visa is at their discretion. We cannot guarantee that your visa application will be approved, but we can assist you with the process and give you the best chance of success.
Suppose your application is denied due to an error found in your application after our experts have checked the application. In that case, we'll refund the processing fee you paid us as our experts strive to ensure no mistakes in your applications.
Note: Government fees will not be refunded.
More information
If you need more info about traveling to China for tourism or business, please contact our customer support team at any time via online chat or email at [email protected].