China Extends Visa-Free Policy to Citizens of Australia and New Zealand

China has expanded its visa-free entry policy to include citizens of Australia and New Zealand, a move aimed at boosting the tourism industry. On June 17, during his visit to Australia, Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced that Australian passport holders can now enter China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, and transit purposes.

This announcement comes alongside a bilateral agreement between China and Australia to issue multiple-entry visas valid for three to five years to each other's citizens, promoting business exchanges, encouraging tourism, and facilitating family reunions.

Earlier, on June 13, Premier Li Qiang met with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Wellington and announced a similar visa-free policy for New Zealand citizens. This policy allows New Zealand passport holders to enter China without a visa for up to 15 days.

As part of efforts to facilitate travel and tourism, China has been steadily increasing the number of direct flights between China and Australia. By mid-June, flights had returned to 80% of their pre-pandemic levels, with ten airlines, including nine Chinese airlines and Qantas, operating direct flights between the two countries.

Although Qantas announced the suspension of its Sydney-Shanghai route due to lower market demand, the airline may resume the route in response to the new visa-free policy. Capital Airlines and China Eastern have also launched new routes between China and Australia, further enhancing connectivity.

Flights between China and New Zealand have recovered more quickly, reaching pre-pandemic levels since December last year. Six airlines, including Air New Zealand and several Chinese carriers, are operating these routes, ensuring strong travel links between the two countries.

China's extension of visa-free policies is part of a broader strategy to enhance international tourism. The country has unilaterally extended visa-free entry to citizens of several European nations and has mutual visa exemption agreements with countries like Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Georgia.

This initiative is expected to significantly boost tourism and business travel, fostering closer ties between China and these countries. The policy's extension until December 31, 2025, underscores China's commitment to maintaining and expanding its global travel network.