Every Australian requires a visa to visit China, regardless of the purpose of their visit. Without a Chinese visa, entry into China will be denied.
The type of Chinese visa required will depend on the purpose of your visit – Business, Employment, Student, Journalist, Transit and Tourist. If you are planning a holiday, you will need a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa).
While visa application services are available, obtaining a Chinese Tourist Visa is a fairly easy process if you wish to arrange this yourself, provided due care is taken throughout the application process. Incomplete applications will be returned and effectively cause unnecessary delays. Double check all details of an application before applying.
1. Search the website of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Australia to find information on where you can apply for a Chinese Visa (locations vary from state to state), how to apply and download the application forms.
2. Complete a Chinese Visa Application Form and attach a passport photograph –
- The application form can be downloaded from the website
- All passport photos submitted for a Chinese Visa must be taken with a serious expression and be of passport regulation format
- Ensure that every section of the application form is filled in, using N/A if the section is not applicable
3. Provide details of your travel plans, including –
- Flight details and itinerary
- Confirmed hotel accommodation details
- Proof of travel plans after your visit to China
Supporting documents will not be returned once an application is lodged and training visa hong kong changes cannot be made. Make copies of all documents beforehand.
4. Your passport must have at least six months validity from the date you plan to leave China for a tourist visa and at least two blank pages.
5. Applications can only be made one to two months before the planned date of your arrival in China. A Chinese single entry visa is usually valid for three months, starting from the date of the application. Apply too early and your visa could expire before your trip is complete.
6. A processing fee will apply. The cost depends on the type of visa applied for and the duration of the processing time required. Normal applications usually take four working days to process. An expediting service is also available.
7. When you receive your visa, check that all details are correct.
It is highly recommend to lodge your application at the Chinese Embassy in person, although there are provisions to apply for a visa through an agent or by mail. Arrive at the Chinese Embassy early to avoid the queues.