Australia Visa for China Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Complete Australia Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) requirements, fees, processing times, and approval tips for Chinese citizens. Updated December 2026.

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Last updated: Jan 28, 2026
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At a glance

Visa required Visa-free / eTA
Fee 200 AUD
Processing 20 to 33 days
Approval rate 85%

Overview

Planning a trip to Australia as a Chinese citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa: required documents, current fee of AUD 200, processing times of 2 to 5 weeks, and strategies to improve your approval chances. Chinese applicants have multiple visa streams available, including the Approved Destination Status (ADS) for organized tours.

Visa Application process

Chinese citizens must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) online through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.1 Unlike citizens of some countries, Chinese passport holders are not eligible for the simplified ETA or eVisitor visas. However, Chinese citizens have access to special visa streams including the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream for organized tours and the Frequent Traveller stream for regular visitors.

Choose Your Visa Stream

Chinese citizens can apply under several streams:1 • Tourist Stream: For independent travelers visiting for tourism, family visits, or cruises • Approved Destination Status (ADS) Stream: For organized tour groups through approved agents (faster processing) • Frequent Traveller Stream: For regular visitors (up to 10 years validity, AUD 1,480)

Create an ImmiAccount

Register at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au to create your account. You will use this account to submit your application, upload documents, and track your application status.1

Complete the Application

Select the appropriate Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) stream and fill out all sections. You will need to provide:2 • Personal details and passport information • Travel plans and intended dates • Employment and financial information • Details of any previous visa applications or refusals • Health and character declarations

Upload Supporting Documents

Attach all required documents as clear digital scans or photographs. Documents should be in PDF, JPEG, or PNG format. Non-English documents must include certified translations.1

Pay the Fee

The application fee is AUD 200 for the Tourist Stream, payable online via credit card, debit card, or PayPal.1 The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome.

Wait for Processing

You will receive an acknowledgment with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Use this to track your application status in ImmiAccount. Processing typically takes 2 to 5 weeks for the Tourist Stream, or 2 to 5 days for the ADS stream.3

Receive Decision

Once decided, you will receive notification via email and in your ImmiAccount. If approved, your visa is linked electronically to your passport. There is no physical visa sticker.

Visa Application Steps

  1. 1. Choose Your Visa Stream
  2. 2. Create an ImmiAccount
  3. 3. Complete the Application
  4. 4. Upload Supporting Documents
  5. 5. Pay the Fee
  6. 6. Wait for Processing
  7. 7. Receive Decision

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost Tourist Stream (outside Australia): AUD 200 Tourist Stream (inside Australia): AUD 500 ADS Stream: AUD 200 Frequent Traveller Stream (up to 10 years): AUD 1,480 Biometric collection (if required): Included Health examination (if required): Varies by provider The standard fee applies to stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. Payment is non-refundable even if refused or withdrawn.1

What you need to prove

Australia uses the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion. Case officers must be satisfied that you:

  • Have a genuine purpose: Your reasons for visiting are legitimate tourism, family visit, or business
  • Will leave Australia: You have strong reasons to return to China and will not overstay
  • Have adequate funds: You can support yourself without working
  • Meet character requirements: You have no serious criminal history
  • Meet health requirements: You do not pose a health risk to Australia

Required documents

  • Valid Passport
  • Online Application via ImmiAccount
  • Passport-Sized Photograph
  • Bank Statements
  • Employment Evidence
  • Travel Plans
  • Ties to Home Country

Valid Passport

Your current passport must be valid for the duration of your intended stay in Australia • At least 6 months validity recommended; • At least two blank pages; • Must not be damaged or altered] (Tip: Include copies of old passports showing previous travel historyPrevious Australian, US, or Schengen visas strengthen your application)

Online Application via ImmiAccount

Complete the visa application online through the Australian Government's ImmiAccount portal • Create an ImmiAccount at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au; • Select Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Tourist Stream; • Complete all sections accurately in English; • Upload supporting documents; • Pay the application fee online] (Tip: Save your application and complete it in multiple sessions if neededUse a personal email address you check regularly)

Passport-Sized Photograph

Recent passport-sized photograph meeting Australian specifications • Size: 45mm x 35mm; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White background; • Face clearly visible without shadows] (Tip: Digital photo upload is required for online applications)

Bank Statements

Evidence of sufficient funds to cover your entire stay in Australia without working • Last 6 months of bank statements; • Must show regular income and stable balance; • Account holder name must match passport; • Include savings accounts and fixed deposits] (Tip: Avoid large unexplained deposits close to application dateAUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of stay is a reasonable guidelineInclude credit card statements showing available credit)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status, income, and approved leave • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of employment; • Confirm approved leave dates for your trip; • Company registration details and contact information] (Tip: Self-employed applicants should provide business registration and tax returnsStudents should get a letter from their institution confirming enrollmentRetired applicants should provide pension statements)

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities, accommodation, and travel within Australia • Day-by-day itinerary of planned activities; • Accommodation bookings or arrangements; • Internal flight or travel plans within Australia; • Purpose of each destination visit] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHotel reservations with free cancellation are sufficientBe realistic about travel distances in Australia)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to China after your visit • Property ownership documents; • Hukou (household registration) documents; • Family certificates showing dependents; • Ongoing business or employment commitments; • Educational enrollment if applicable] (Tip: This is critical for Chinese applicantsStronger ties significantly reduce refusal riskInclude evidence of family members staying in China)

Optional documents

Cover Letter | Travel Insurance | Invitation Letter | Health Declaration | Police Clearance Certificate

Cover Letter

A personal statement explaining your visit purpose, itinerary, and ties to China • State the purpose of your visit clearly; • Outline your travel itinerary; • Explain your ties to China; • Mention who is funding your trip] (Tip: Keep it concise: 1 page maximumAddress any potential concerns proactivelyWrite in English or provide certified translation)

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies during your stay • Minimum coverage of AUD 50,000 recommended; • Must cover medical emergencies and repatriation; • Valid for entire duration of stay] (Tip: While not mandatory, it strengthens your applicationAustralia has expensive healthcare for visitors)

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in Australia inviting you to stay with them • Host's full name and address in Australia; • Their relationship to you; • Their Australian visa status or citizenship; • Details of accommodation being provided] (Tip: Include a copy of the host's Australian visa or passportInvitation should specify the duration of your stay)

Health Declaration

Health examination or declaration may be required in certain circumstances • Applicants with certain health conditions may need examination; • Required if staying longer than 3 months in some cases; • Must use approved panel physicians in China] (Tip: ImmiAccount will notify you if health examination is requiredComplete within 28 days if requested)

Police Clearance Certificate

Character certificate showing no serious criminal history • PCC from China and any country you have lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years; • Must be issued within the last 12 months] (Tip: Not typically required for standard tourist applicationsImmiAccount will request if needed)

Comparison

Service Cost
Tourist Stream (outside Australia) AUD 200
Tourist Stream (inside Australia) AUD 500
ADS Stream AUD 200
Frequent Traveller Stream (up to 10 years) AUD 1,480
Biometric collection (if required) Included
Health examination (if required) Varies by provider

Common rejection reasons

% Reason
30% Insufficient Financial Evidence
28% Weak Ties to China
18% Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns
12% Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation
8% Previous Immigration Issues
4% Unverifiable Information

30% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Avoid large unexplained deposits. A balance of AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay is recommended.

28% - Weak Ties to China

How to avoid: Provide evidence of stable employment, property ownership, Hukou registration, family dependents, ongoing business commitments, or educational enrollment in China.

18% - Genuine Temporary Entrant Concerns

How to avoid: Be consistent across all documents. Your stated purpose, itinerary, and financial capacity should align logically. Previous positive travel history helps significantly.

12% - Incomplete or Inconsistent Documentation

How to avoid: Double-check all dates and details match. Provide explanation letters for any gaps. Ensure salary in employment letter matches bank statement credits.

8% - Previous Immigration Issues

How to avoid: Be honest about previous issues. Provide evidence of changed circumstances. Wait at least 6 months before reapplying if previously refused.

4% - Unverifiable Information

How to avoid: Only submit genuine documents. Australian immigration has sophisticated verification systems and shares data with other countries.

Frequently asked questions

Can Chinese citizens get an ETA or eVisitor for Australia?

No. Chinese passport holders are not eligible for the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or eVisitor visa. You must apply for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), which requires a full application with supporting documents.

What is the Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream?

The ADS stream is specifically for Chinese citizens traveling to Australia as part of an organized tour group through an approved travel agent. It has faster processing times (typically 2 to 5 days) but requires you to remain with the tour group throughout your visit.

How long can I stay in Australia on a tourist visa?

The Subclass 600 visa can be granted for stays of 3, 6, or 12 months. The duration is determined by the case officer based on your application. Most first-time applicants receive 3 or 6 month visas.

What is the Frequent Traveller stream?

Chinese citizens who travel regularly to Australia can apply for the Frequent Traveller stream, which grants a visa valid for up to 10 years with stays of up to 3 months each visit. The fee is AUD 1,480.

How much money do I need in my bank account?

There is no official minimum, but you should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover accommodation, travel, food, and activities for your entire stay. A guideline is AUD 5,000 to 10,000 per month of intended stay, plus return flights.

Can I work on an Australian tourist visa?

No. The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) strictly prohibits any work, including remote work for Chinese employers. If caught working, your visa will be cancelled and you may face a ban on future applications.

How long does the Australia visa take from China?

Most Tourist Stream applications are processed within 20 to 33 days. The ADS stream for organized tour groups is much faster at 2 to 5 days. Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons.

Do I need to provide flight bookings with my application?

No, you do not need confirmed flight bookings. A travel itinerary showing intended dates and destinations is sufficient. The Australian government advises against booking non-refundable travel until your visa is granted.

What is the Australia tourist visa fee for Chinese citizens in 2026?

The application fee for the Subclass 600 Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream) is AUD 200. The Frequent Traveller stream costs AUD 1,480 for up to 10 years validity. Fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Can I extend my Australian tourist visa?

You can apply for a new Visitor Visa while in Australia (fee AUD 500), but you must apply before your current visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and you must continue to meet all visa requirements.

What if my Australia visa is refused?

If refused, you will receive a decision letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with stronger documentation addressing the concerns raised. There is no appeal right for Visitor Visa refusals made outside Australia.

Do I need travel insurance for Australia?

Travel insurance is not mandatory for the Subclass 600 visa, but it is strongly recommended. Australia has expensive healthcare, and visitors are not covered by Medicare. Insurance can also strengthen your application.

Can I study on an Australian tourist visa?

You can undertake short-term study of up to 3 months on a Visitor Visa. For longer courses, you need a Student Visa (Subclass 500).

What happens at the Australian border?

At the border, you may be asked to show return flight bookings, proof of accommodation, evidence of funds, and details of your travel plans. Immigration officers can refuse entry even with a valid visa if they have concerns about your intentions.

Should I apply individually or through an organized tour?

Both options are valid. The ADS stream through approved tour operators is faster and simpler but requires you to stay with the group. Individual applications give you more flexibility but require more documentation and have longer processing times.

Apply for Australia tourist visa online

Sources

Australian Government - Visitor Visa

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600

Australian Government - Tourist Stream

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/tourist-stream-overseas

Australian Government - Visa Processing Times

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-processing-times

Australian Government - Approved Destination Status Stream

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/approved-destination-stream

Australian Government - Visitor Visa Program Report

https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/research-and-statistics/statistics/visa-statistics/visitor

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