Home/from/China/to/Australia
🇨🇳China
🇦🇺AustraliaCN-AU

China to Australia visa requirements

Yes, Chinese citizens need a Visitor visa (subclass 600) to enter Australia. Chinese ordinary passport holders need a Visitor visa, almost always the subclass 600. Most travellers apply online via ImmiAccount, then provide biometrics at the Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) run by VFS Global. Stays of up to 3, 6, or 12 months are possible depending on the stream and case officer decision. China is also eligible for the Frequent Traveller (10-year) stream of subclass 600.
VISA REQUIREDTOURISMFLEXIBLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe
/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26
Visa type
Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Maximum stay
3, 6, or 12 months per entry (officer decides)
per entry
Entries
Single or multiple
from issue date
Visa fee
AUD 190
consular fee only
Processing time
11-28 days (Tourist stream)
standard track
Validity
12 months typical, up to 10 years (Frequent Traveller)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Create ImmiAccount
Register at online.immi.gov.au and start a subclass 600 application in the relevant stream (Tourist, Business Visitor, ADS, Sponsored Family, Frequent Traveller).
· online· ImmiAccount
/02
Complete and pay
Fill in the form, upload supporting documents, and pay the AUD 190 visa application charge by card.
· AUD 190· card payment
/03
Provide biometrics
Book at the Australian Visa Application Centre via VFS Global. Attend in person for fingerprints and a digital photo.
· AVAC· VFS Global
/04
Health check if requested
Some applicants need a panel-doctor health examination, especially for stays of 6+ months or specific risk profiles.
· panel doctor· if requested
/05
Receive decision online
Decision arrives by email and in ImmiAccount. The visa is electronic — no label is placed in your passport.
· electronic visa· ImmiAccount
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
China -> Australia · Visitor visa (subclass 600)
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredChinese passport
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Valid for the full stay
RequiredImmiAccount profile
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Email confirmed and verified
RequiredRecent digital photo
Use the official size, background, and recency rules for this route
Per Home Affairs specifications
RequiredFunding evidence
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
Bank statements covering 3-6 months and any sponsor support
RequiredEmployment or business proof
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records
RequiredTravel plan
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
Itinerary, flights, accommodation, or invitation
RequiredHome ties evidence
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Family, property, employment, or business obligations in China
RecommendedInsurance (recommended)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
Particularly for visitors 75+ years
RequiredPrior visa history
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
Old passports and any Australian visa decisions
RequiredForm 1419 / 1418 (offline backup)
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
For paper applications; most cases now go through ImmiAccount
RequiredOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Use the current form from the official or designated application channel.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: Department of Home Affairs — Visitor visa (subclass 600)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Visa application chargeAUD 190Standard subclass 600
Priority ConsiderationAUD 1,000Optional priority service
VFS service feeAround CNY 215Biometrics + admin
Health examinationVariesIf requested by case officer
Total estimateAUD 200+AUD 1,200+incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

Business Visitor stream
5-19 days
Generally fastest stream.
Priority Consideration
Faster
Optional paid service for AUD 1,000 extra.
ADS group tour
Days
Bulk processing through approved Chinese travel agencies.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Genuine temporary entrant concerns
Officer is not satisfied you intend to stay only temporarily.
High
/02
Funding does not match the trip
Bank evidence or sponsor support insufficient or unstable.
High
/03
Weak ties to China
Employment, family, or property records too thin to demonstrate return.
Medium
/04
Document inconsistencies
Form details, employment letter, or itinerary conflict.
Medium
/05
Adverse immigration history
Prior overstays, refusals, or breaches anywhere in the world.
Medium
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-06-19
Reviewed by Claude Code
Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.
2026-05-26
China to Australia route verified
Confirmed AUD 190 subclass 600 fee, ImmiAccount-based application, AVAC/VFS biometrics, and current stream processing windows.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

What stream of subclass 600 should I apply for?
Most tourists choose the Tourist stream. Business meetings or conferences use the Business Visitor stream. Approved Chinese tour groups use ADS. Frequent travellers with a clean record may apply for the 10-year stream.
Can I work or study with a visitor visa?+
Do I need biometrics?+
Will I get a visa sticker in my passport?+
Can I stay 12 months?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the China passport

See something wrong on this page?
Policies change. If something looks off, tell us — we review every report within 48 hours.