Visa for China (ordinary passports) – China in Australia

Holders of Australian and third-country ordinary passports who need a Chinese visa (tourism, business, family visit, study, work, transit and other categories) apply through the China Online Visa Processing System and then lodge at a Visa Application Service Centre. Visa-free entry exists for some Australians for short stays, so a visa is only needed outside that policy.

Where to apply in Australia

Embassy of China, Canberra (ACT) and Consulates-General in Sydney (NSW), Brisbane (QLD), Adelaide (SA), Melbourne (VIC/TAS) and Perth (WA). Ordinary-passport visa applications are lodged at the Chinese Visa Application Service Centres in Sydney (for ACT, NT, NSW, QLD) or Melbourne (for VIC, TAS, WA, SA). Brisbane, Canberra and Perth centres stopped accepting visa applications on 15 September 2025.

Diplomatic, service and courtesy visas are handled directly by the Embassy and Consulates, not the centres.

Contact details for every office are on the page of the embassy and consulates of China.

How to apply

Fill in the online visa application and upload documents on the China Online Visa Processing System | choose the visa category and service speed (regular, express, rush) | lodge at the Sydney or Melbourne centre for your state, or by post if eligible | pay by card (Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay; no cash or Amex) | track the application online.

Applications are handled through Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC), Sydney https://www.visaforchina.cn/SYD4_EN/ and Melbourne https://www.visaforchina.cn/MEL4_EN/.

Documents you need

Online application form
Passport
Photo to the published requirements
Supporting documents depending on category (L, F, M, Q1, Q2, S1, S2, Z, X1, X2, J1, J2, C, G, D, R)
Fingerprints unless exempt

Fees and processing time

Official fee: AUD 45 single entry, AUD 68 double, AUD 90 multiple 6 months, AUD 135 multiple 12 months (regular service, Australian citizens)
Service provider: AUD 49.50 regular, AUD 77 express, AUD 99 rush, AUD 71.50 postal (GST incl.)

Processing time: Not stated on fee page; express and rush options exist; postal about 10 working days excluding transit.

Good to know

Fee page (Sydney centre) shows reduced regular visa fees until 31 December 2026 and no date of its own; amounts shown are for Australian citizens, other nationalities differ. Consular legalisation was ended after China joined the Apostille Convention (Canberra centre notice of 31 Oct 2023).

Official sources

Check before you apply

This page summarises information published by China's official channels, last checked on 24 octubre 2026. Fees and requirements can change at short notice, so confirm with the office that will handle your case.

Spotted a change? Let us know.

China: Visa for China (ordinary passports) in Australia