[OFFICIAL] China offers visa exemption to Australia and New Zealand from July 1, 2024
Starting from July 1, 2024, ordinary passport holders from Australia and New Zealand will be able to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a vacation, or a visit to loved ones, the opportunity to explore China hassle-free awaits.
Official announcement
According to the SBS Australia*, ordinary passport holders from Australia and New Zealand are eligible to enter China without a visa for 15 days. The exemption, which starts at 00:00 on 1 July and runs until the end of 2025, can be used for business trips, tourism and visits to relatives and friends. The easing of restrictions follows recent visits of China Premier Li Qiang to New Zealand and Australia in June, 2024.
Individuals who do not meet the visa-free conditions mentioned above or diplomatic, official passport holders still need to apply for a visa before entering China.
Australians and New Zealanders can enter China without a visa for 15 days from 1 July
Frequently asked questions about China visa exemption?
Do Australians and New Zealanders need a passport to enter China from July 1, 2024?
Yes. Just turn up with your passport – no need to apply for anything online before you leave home. Your passports must have at least six months of validity left before it expires.
Australians and New Zealanders previously needed proof of accommodation and a return ticket to enter China. This is no longer required.
Australians and New Zealanders can enter China and stay up to 15 days with just a passport in hand
Does the 15 days count from the day of arrival in or departure to China?
It counts from the first day of arrival to mainland China. Travelers will have until midnight on the 15th day to depart.
How many times can travelers enter China using the visa-free stays?
As many times as you want.
Can travelers extend their stays beyond 15 days of visa extemption?
To stay longer, you have to visit the Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau that handles all visa applications for foreigners and locals traveling abroad.
Alternatively, you can leave China on a ‘visa run’ to Hong Kong or Macau, then return to China, where the 15 days will be reset.
Can I travel to China’s far west such as Tibet and Xinjiang?
Those places are open to foreigners, but some travel restrictions will still apply. Foreigners aren’t able to gain entry into Tibet unless they book a tour package through a travel agency that is able to help them apply for a Tibet Entry Permit granted by the Tibet Travel Administration.
As for Xinjiang, foreigners do not need a special permit for travel as part of a permitted tour group. But the freedom of movement is more restricted compared to most other provinces in China.
Our Aussie customers visit Lingering Garden in Suzhou, China
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