🇨🇳CHINA

🇦🇺AUSTRALIACN-AU

Do China passport holders need a visa to visit Australia?

Q: Can I work or study with a visitor visa?

No. Subclass 600 does not allow paid work. Study is limited to a maximum of 3 months.

Q: Do I need biometrics?

Yes. Chinese applicants generally need to attend the Australian Visa Application Centre in person for fingerprints and a digital photo.

Q: Will I get a visa sticker in my passport?

No. Subclass 600 is fully electronic. Carry the grant letter or check VEVO at the airport.

Q: Can I stay 12 months?

Officers can grant 3, 6, or 12-month stays per entry. 12 months is granted only when justified by your purpose, ties, and case strength.

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.

/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

10 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 10 complete

Chinese passport

Valid for the full stay

ImmiAccount profile

Email confirmed and verified

Recent digital photo

Per Home Affairs specifications

Funding evidence

Bank statements covering 3-6 months and any sponsor support

Employment or business proof

Employer leave letter, salary slips, business licence, or social security records

Travel plan

Itinerary, flights, accommodation, or invitation

Home ties evidence

Family, property, employment, or business obligations in China

Insurance (recommended)

Particularly for visitors 75+ years

Prior visa history

Old passports and any Australian visa decisions

Form 1419 / 1418 (offline backup)

For paper applications; most cases now go through ImmiAccount

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/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

Tourist stream

11-28 days

Typical range for Chinese applicants, but officer-by-officer.

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

2026-05-26

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