China and Australia to Issue Five-Year Visas for Tourism and Business
In a significant move to strengthen bilateral relations, China and Australia will now issue each other’s citizens multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years for tourism and business purposes. Announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, this new visa arrangement will commence on 21st June 2024, marking a positive development in the relationship between the two nations.
Overview of the Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600)
The Australian Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) allows tourists, business visitors, and family visitors to stay in Australia for 3, 6, or 12 months.
The visa has several streams, including Tourist (apply outside or within Australia), Business Visitor, Approved Destination Status (for certain Chinese citizens), Frequent Traveller (for frequent Chinese visitors), and Sponsored Family (requiring a sponsor).
Eligibility requirements include being a genuine visitor with sufficient funds, and applications must be made from within or outside Australia depending on the stream. Processing times vary, and more details can be found using the visa processing time guide tool.
To learn more about other types of Australian visitor streams, please visit: Visitor Visa (subclass 600)
Background
This announcement follows a milestone visit by China’s Premier Li Qiang to Australia earlier this week. The trip, which highlighted a stabilisation in bilateral relations after a period of frosty ties, underscored the commitment of both countries to improving diplomatic and economic connections. Prior to this new agreement, Chinese citizens could apply for visas of up to one year for visiting Australia, with frequent travellers eligible for visas up to 10 years.
Immediate Impact
The announcement has already had a noticeable impact. Within an hour, searches for flight tickets, hotels, and other travel-related items to Australia surged more than 200% on the Chinese travel site Tongcheng Travel, according to state-backed media outlet The Paper. This surge in interest reflects the pent-up demand for travel and business exchanges between the two countries following years of strict COVID-19 restrictions.
Broader Implications
Since last year, China has been gradually easing entry requirements for visitors from various countries to facilitate travel for both business and leisure, as the country emerges from three years of stringent COVID-19 measures. This new visa policy is part of a broader strategy to revive international travel and economic engagement.
Additional Benefits
During Premier Li’s visit, it was also announced that China would include Australia in its visa waiver scheme. This will allow Australians to visit China for up to 15 days without requiring a visa, further enhancing the ease of travel and fostering closer ties between the two nations.
Conclusion
The introduction of the five-year multiple-entry visas for tourism and business is a clear indication of the warming relations between China and Australia. It presents new opportunities for increased travel, business exchanges, and cultural understanding. Both countries stand to benefit from this enhanced cooperation, paving the way for a stronger and more dynamic bilateral relationship.
For more information on how these changes might affect your travel or business plans, contact Kris Ahn Lawyers. Our team of experts is ready to assist you with any queries and provide guidance on navigating the new visa policies.
Disclaimer: Not Legal Advice
The information provided in this blog post/article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create a representative-client relationship. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, the content may not reflect the most current legal developments or specific circumstances.
Do not rely solely on the information presented here – but please book in a consultation with us to see how you this information applies to you and may benefit you. Any reliance on the material in this post is at your own risk.
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