In a bid to boost inbound travel, China has extended visa-free entry to citizens of 45 countries, including Australia, until the end of 2026.
Citizens of Australia are among those eligible for the 30-day exemption, which covers visits for business, tourism, family visits or transit journeys.
The policy will be effective from November 10 but does not include the United States, Canada and Britain.
Chinese authorities say the move is part of a wider strategy to revitalise tourism, stimulate consumption and strengthen “people-to-people” ties following years of pandemic-era travel restrictions.
In the first half of 2025, the number of foreign visitors entering China under visa-free programs surged by more than 30 per cent compared to the previous year.
For Australia, the change opens new possibilities for business visits, tourism and cultural exchanges.
Travel industry insiders expect the move will spur interest in destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and the island province of Hainan.
One tour operator told the ABC: “Removing the visa hurdle makes spontaneous travel far more likely.”
