Information about Visas

China Visa Travel Guide For Australians

There is no shortage of reasons to visit China 中国, and there’s also no shortage of visa options! This is a simple guide to get you started on your next journey.

Disclaimer: Visas are the individual responsibility of travellers. The information here is to be used as a guide only. Conditions may change.

First to know — There are four types of visas for travelling to China:

  • Diplomatic visa

  • Courtesy visa

  • Service visa

  • Ordinary visa (the most common type)

Which Visa For Travelling?

If you’re visiting China as a tourist on a short vacation, you’ll likely need standard “L” visa. This is one of the most common Visas for travelling China on holiday. If you plan on studying or working in China or anything else (student exchange/visit family that are residents/foreign journalist), you will need a different visa type. Refer to the Visa Reference below.

Hong Kong ‘Sweet Spot’

Hong Kong and Macau are Special Administrative Regions (SAR) and have separate visa and entry administration to mainland China. If you’re an Australian citizen, you don’t need a visa for holidaying in Hong Kong less than 90 days (provided you don’t visit the mainland).

Multiple Entry Visas

Double and Multiple entry visas cost slightly more, but give your more access in and out of China. If you’re entering mainland China more than twice you will need a ‘multiple entry’ visa. If you leave mainland China for Hong Kong and then re-enter mainland China you will need a ‘double entry’ visa.

How To Apply For A Visa

You can apply for a visa at your local Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC). Before you visit, ensure you have downloaded the application form online (print and complete/sign) and have all of the relevant identification documents ready. You will need to bring your passport with you. In some locations, a mail-in service is also available.

For more information visit: http://au.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/

Visa Type Reference:

Please note this information is subject to change. Source: http://au.china-embassy.org

C Issued to foreign crew members of means of international transportation, including aircraft, trains and ships, or motor vehicle drivers engaged in cross-border transport activities, or to the accompanying family members of the crew members of the above-mentioned ships.

D Issued to those who intend to reside in China permanently.

F Issued to those who intend to go to China for exchanges, visits, study tours and other activities.

G Issued to those who intend to transit through China only.

J1 Issued to resident foreign journalists of foreign news organizations stationed in China. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

J2 Issued to foreign journalists who intend to go to China for short-term news coverage. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

L (Popular)Issued to those who intend to go to China as a tourist.

M Issued to those who intend to go to China for commercial and trade activities.

Q1 Issued to those who are family members of Chinese citizens or of foreigners with Chinese permanent residence and intend to go to China for family reunion, or to those who intend to go to China for the purpose of foster care. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

Q2 Issued to those who intend to visit their relatives who are Chinese citizens residing in China or foreigners with permanent residence in China. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

R Issued to those who are high-level talents or whose skills are urgently needed in China.

S1 Issued to those who intend to go to China to visit the foreigners working or studying in China to whom they are spouses, parents, sons or daughters under the age of 18 or parents-in-law, or to those who intend to go to China for other private affairs. The intended duration of stay in China exceeds 180 days.

S2 Issued to those who intend to visit their family members who are foreigners working or studying in China, or to those who intend to go to China for other private matters. The intended duration of stay in China is no more than 180 days.

X1 Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of more than 180 days.

X2 Issued to those who intend to study in China for a period of no more than 180 days.

Z Issued to those who intend to work in China.

Tip: Check the China section of the Australian Government Smart Traveller website for an updated review on any security concerns in the country before you plan to visit: Smart Traveller Website