Australian companies and frequent flyers received a welcome boost on 4 November when China’s foreign ministry confirmed that citizens of 45 countries—including Australia—will continue to enjoy 30-day visa-free entry until 31 December 2026. The scheme, introduced in early 2025 to revive inbound travel, was due to lapse at year-end; its two-year extension provides rare long-term certainty for executive trips, trade-fair delegations and technical teams planning multi-month project schedules.
Under the arrangement, Australians may enter China for business meetings, tourism, family visits or transit without pre-arranged paperwork, provided each stay does not exceed 30 days. The foreign ministry also added Sweden to the list of eligible countries, while the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom remain excluded. According to Chinese data, foreign arrivals under visa-free initiatives grew more than 30 % in the first half of 2025, helping airlines rebuild capacity and hotels lift occupancy rates.
![China Extends 30-Day Visa-Free Entry for Australians Until End-2026]()
Corporate travel managers say the certainty will make it easier to lock in 2026 budgets and negotiate fares on key routes such as Sydney–Shanghai and Melbourne–Shenzhen. Australian exporters of food, wine and education services—segments that rely heavily on in-person relationship-building—are expected to benefit most. Tourism operators also anticipate stronger interest in twin-centre itineraries combining China with other North-Asian stops.
Practical tips: travellers should still complete China’s online Health Declaration within 24 hours of departure and carry proof of onward travel. Those intending to work, study or stay longer than 30 days must continue to apply for the appropriate visa.
Under the arrangement, Australians may enter China for business meetings, tourism, family visits or transit without pre-arranged paperwork, provided each stay does not exceed 30 days. The foreign ministry also added Sweden to the list of eligible countries, while the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom remain excluded. According to Chinese data, foreign arrivals under visa-free initiatives grew more than 30 % in the first half of 2025, helping airlines rebuild capacity and hotels lift occupancy rates.
Corporate travel managers say the certainty will make it easier to lock in 2026 budgets and negotiate fares on key routes such as Sydney–Shanghai and Melbourne–Shenzhen. Australian exporters of food, wine and education services—segments that rely heavily on in-person relationship-building—are expected to benefit most. Tourism operators also anticipate stronger interest in twin-centre itineraries combining China with other North-Asian stops.
Practical tips: travellers should still complete China’s online Health Declaration within 24 hours of departure and carry proof of onward travel. Those intending to work, study or stay longer than 30 days must continue to apply for the appropriate visa.
