1. Do I need to apply for a visa before traveling to China’s mainland?

Unless exempt under relevant agreements or regulations, foreign nationals must obtain a visa before entering China’s mainland. Those who have acquired foreign nationality after previously holding Chinese citizenship must submit their original Chinese passport to a Chinese embassy or consulates-general for cancellation, which can also be done when applying for a Chinese visa. Continuing to use a Chinese passport after acquiring foreign nationality is the sole responsibility of the individual concerned.

From 0:00 on November 30th, 2024 to 24:00 on December 31st, 2025 of Beijing time, citizens holding ordinary passports of Australia traveling to China for business, tourism, family visit, transit and exchange purposes and with the duration of each single stay not exceeding 30 days, are eligible for visa-free entry policy.

2. Where can visa applications be submitted?

Visa applications should be submitted to a Chinese Embassy, Consulate-General, or a Chinese Visa Application Service Center.

Applicants for ordinary visas in Australia should submit their applications to the local Chinese Visa Application Service Center in accordance with the consular jurisdiction of the Chinese Embassy and Consulates-General in Australia.

Applicants for diplomatic, service, or courtesy visas may apply directly to the embassy or consulate-general.

Applicants for R visa (including their spouses and minor children) may submit their applications either to the Chinese Visa Application Service Center or directly to the embassy or consulate-general.

3. What type of visa should I apply for?

The visa type depends on the purpose of the visit to China. For visa categories, refer to the "Apply for Ordinary Visas" section. The consular officer will determine the type of visa to be issued.

4. What documents do I need to submit when applying for a visa? What should I pay attention to?

Applicants must prepare relevant documents according to the purpose of travel. Please refer to the "Apply for Ordinary Visas" section. Dual nationals may choose which passport to use, but must complete the application form truthfully.

5. How far in advance should I apply for a visa?

It is recommended to apply one month before the intended date of entry into China. Applying too early may result in visa expiration; applying too late may disrupt travel plans.

6. How long does it take to get a visa after submitting an application?

If all documents are in order, processing generally takes four working days. In urgent or special cases, applicants may request express (pickup on the third working day) or rush service (pickup on the second working day), subject to additional fees. Whether such requests are accepted is at the discretion of the Chinese embassy or consulate-general; the Visa Application Service Center will contact applicants as needed.

7. Can I apply for a visa by mail? Is return mail service available?

The Visa Application Service Center accepts visa applications by mail and provides return mail service. Applicants should check whether the consulate-general requires an in-person interview; if so, the applicant must appear in person.

8. I live far from the visa application service center. Can I entrust someone else to submit my application?

Yes. Applications can be submitted by a representative or an agency. However, if an interview is required, the applicant must appear in person. Any issues arising from the use of a representative or agency shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant.

9. What does “Entries” mean on a visa? What if I run out?

"Entries" refers to the number of times the visa holder is permitted to enter China within the visa's validity period—typically single, double, or multiple entries. Once the allowed entries are used up, the visa becomes invalid. If a visa is still within its validity but all entries have been used, a new visa must be applied for. Valid visas in an expired passport can still be used, but must be presented together with the new passport.

10. When does the visa become effective and when does it expire?

A visa takes effect on the date of issuance and expires at 24:00 (Beijing time) as the "Expiry Date" indicated. It will also become invalid if all entries are used, or if it is revoked or canceled.

11. How is the duration of stay calculated? What if more time is needed?

"Duration of each stay" refers to the maximum number of days allowed for each entry, starting from the day after entry. To extend the stay, an application must be submitted to the local public security bureau before the allowed stay period ends. Approval is subject to the discretion of the authorities.

Holders of D, Z, X1, Q1, S1 or J1 visas must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry. Failure to do so constitutes illegal residence. Overstaying beyond the permitted period violates Chinese law and may result in penalties such as fines. Visa holders should pay close attention to their permitted stay while in China.

12. Can the visa’s validity, number of entries, or duration of stay be changed?

No. Once issued, these details cannot be altered. To make changes, a new application and fee payment are required.

13. Does holding a visa guarantee entry into China?

No. Entry is subject to inspection and approval by Chinese border control authorities in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

14. I’ve renewed my passport, but the valid visa is in my old passport. Can I still use it?

Yes, as long as the name, gender, date of birth, and nationality on both passports are exactly the same. Otherwise, a new visa must be obtained.

15. Can I stay in China after my visa expires?

Only if the permitted stay has not yet ended. Even if the visa itself expires, as long as the authorized duration of stay has not been exceeded, the stay is legal. However, overstaying is strictly prohibited.

16. What should I do if I lose my passport while in China?

Report the loss immediately to the local public security bureau and apply for a new passport or travel document at your home country’s embassy or consulate-general in China. Then, apply to the Chinese authorities for relevant documents.

17. What should foreign nationals pay attention to while in China?

They must abide by the laws and regulations of China and should not engage in activities unrelated to the stated purpose of their visa or without the authorization by relevant Chinese government authorities. Violations will be handled in accordance with the law.

18. Can I inquire about another person’s visa application with the Chinese embassy or consulate-general?

No. This is not permitted.