China Eases Travel for Australians with New Visa-Free Policy and Multi-Entry Visas

In a significant move to strengthen ties between China and Australia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced on Monday that Australia will soon join the list of countries whose citizens can visit China without a visa.

This announcement came during Li’s official visit to Australia and was made alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at a joint news conference.

Details of the New Visa Policy

The introduction of visa-free travel for Australians is expected to significantly facilitate travel for tourism, business, and visiting family members. Additionally, new arrangements for reciprocal multi-entry visas valid for three to five years will be introduced, further easing travel between the two countries.

These visas will support longer and more frequent visits, catering to the diverse needs of business travellers, tourists, and those visiting family.

Also Read: Australia Announces Working Holiday Visa Lottery for China, India & Vietnam

Enhancing People-to-People Exchanges

Premier Li highlighted the importance of this new visa-free policy in enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two nations. “Our goal is to deepen mutual understanding and foster closer cooperation through easier travel,” Li stated.

This sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Albanese, who emphasized that such exchanges are pivotal in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Prior Visa Requirements for Australians

Previously, Australians were required to obtain a visa for entry into China, involving a process that could take several weeks and included submitting various documents and paying applicable fees.

This requirement often posed a barrier to travel for many Australians, deterring spontaneous visits and complicating travel plans for frequent travellers.

The new visa-free policy will eliminate these hurdles, encouraging more Australians to explore China and participate in its vibrant cultural and economic landscape.

Also Read: China Eases Visa Processes: 5 New Measures for Foreign Visitors

Current Visa-Free Options for China

China already offers visa-free entry to citizens of several countries, including Singapore (up to 30 days) and several European nations for stays between 15 and 90 days depending on the country. The addition of Australia to this list reflects China’s growing focus on promoting international travel and cultural exchange.

Looking Forward

This new visa exemption policy is a significant step forward for Australia-China relations. It is expected to boost tourism, trade, and cultural understanding between the two nations. Travellers are eagerly awaiting further details on the specifics of the visa-free program, and how it will simplify travel to China.