Australia entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need an approved visa before flying to Australia. The easiest option for short visits is the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which is linked to your passport electronically. As of 2026, you must apply online before you travel — there are no visa-on-arrival options.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa (ETA) applicationETA (Australia) Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601) | Apply for the ETA via the Australian ETA app on iOS or Android — the app is free, but the visa itself costs $20 AUD. Third-party websites charge extra fees and are not official. Approval usually comes within seconds, but apply at least 48 hours before departure just in case.Apply for ETA | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay in Australia | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. Australia does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but some airlines still ask for it — check with your carrier before check-in. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Australia | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at the border. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — a bus or ferry ticket to New Zealand also counts. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a copy of your hotel reservation, hostel booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact number. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Show a recent bank statement or credit card limit that covers your stay. There is no fixed minimum, but having at least AUD 1,000 per week of stay is a safe benchmark. Officers may ask how you plan to fund your trip. | Recommended |
Apply early — don't wait until the airport
The ETA is quick, but if there's a system glitch or your application gets flagged for manual review, you could be stuck. Apply at least 3 days before departure.
Australia's biosecurity is no joke
Declare all food, plants, animal products, and outdoor gear. Fines for undeclared items start at AUD 2,664 and can go much higher. When in doubt, declare it.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your ETA online
Go to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website or use the official ETA app. Fill in your passport details, personal info, and travel plans. Pay the fee (around AUD 20). Approval usually comes within minutes, but apply at least a few days before your flight.
2
Pack your documents
Print or save on your phone: your ETA approval email, return flight booking, first night hotel confirmation, and travel insurance certificate. Keep your passport easily accessible.
3
Arrive at the airport in China
At check-in, the airline will verify your ETA is linked to your passport. They may also ask to see your return ticket. Board your flight.
4
Arrive in Australia
At immigration, use the SmartGate kiosk if available (for e-passport holders). Scan your passport, answer a few questions on screen, and get a ticket. Hand it to the officer. If no SmartGate, join the queue and present your passport and any requested documents.
5
Collect your bags and clear customs
After immigration, pick up your luggage and proceed through customs. Declare any food, plant material, or animal products — Australia has strict biosecurity laws. Fines for undeclared items can be steep.
Download Australia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entry
Max stay3 months
Validity3 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Standard tourist visa for one entry.
Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entry
Max stay3 months per visit
Validity12 months from issue
CostAUD 150 (~USD 100)
Allows multiple visits within a year.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Max stay12 months
Validity12 months from first entry
CostAUD 510 (~USD 340)
For young adults (18-30) to work and travel.
Student visa (subclass 500)
Max stayDuration of course
ValidityUp to 5 years
CostAUD 620 (~USD 415)
Requires enrollment in a registered course.
student visa
Student visa (subclass 500)
Up to 5 years
AUD 620 (~USD 415)
For full-time study at a registered Australian institution. Requires enrollment and sufficient funds.
Apply work visa
Temporary Skill Shortage visa (subclass 482)
Up to 4 years
AUD 1,265 (~USD 845)
For skilled workers sponsored by an Australian employer. Requires relevant qualifications and experience.
Apply investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment visa (subclass 188)
Up to 5 years
AUD 4,735 (~USD 3,160)
For investors and business owners with significant assets. Requires state nomination and investment commitment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Single entryStandard tourist visa for short stays. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Visitor visa (subclass 600) – Multiple entrySame fee as single entry, allows multiple visits within validity. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Stay extension (onshore)Apply via ImmiAccount before current visa expires. | AUD 150 (~USD 100) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; overstay can affect future visas. | AUD 100 per day (~USD 67) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Australia
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders need a Transit visa (subclass 771) to transit through Australia, even if staying airside. Apply before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Australian visa or permanent residence may transit without a transit visa.
- Holders of a valid New Zealand visa or residence may also be exempt.
Transit hubsSydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) · Melbourne Airport (MEL) · Brisbane Airport (BNE)
Health & vaccines for Australia
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderInfluenzaRecommended
Health risks
Ross River virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne virus present in rural areas; use repellent.
Murray Valley encephalitisLow risk
Rare but serious mosquito-borne disease in northern regions.
Heat-related illnessModerate risk
High temperatures in summer can cause dehydration; stay hydrated.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Sydney
Department of Home Affairs – Sydney Office
26 Lee Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Appointment required for visa inquiries.
Melbourne
Department of Home Affairs – Melbourne Office
2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Bring all original documents.
Practical information for CN travellers
Country basics
CapitalCanberra
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideLeft-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid for up to 3 months. IDP recommended.
Money
CurrencyAustralian Dollar (AUD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.4 AUD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+10
vs New York+15h to +16h depending on state
vs Los Angeles+18h to +19h depending on state
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
IType I — unique Australian plug. US plugs do not fit. Bring an adapter.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink everywhere in Australia.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Australia — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Most ETAs are approved within minutes, but it can take up to 12 hours. Apply at least 3 days before your flight to be safe. The fee is about AUD 20.
No. The ETA is for short visits only and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa (like a Visitor visa subclass 600) before your ETA expires.
You need a passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, renew it first, then apply for a new ETA linked to the new passport number.
Not required for the ETA, but immigration officers may ask if you look like you might overstay. Having a credit card or bank statement handy is a good idea.
No. The ETA is for tourism, visiting family, or short business meetings only. You cannot work or study for more than 3 months.
You will be denied boarding by the airline in China. There is no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must have an approved ETA before you fly.
No, Australia does not require a separate arrival declaration form. You will answer questions at the SmartGate kiosk or with the immigration officer.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.