[Latest news] China to grant visa-free travel for New Zealanders and Australians
Visa-free travel is on the horizon for New Zealanders and Australians, Chinese Premier Li Qiang has said during his recent state visits to New Zealand and Australia on 13 June and 17 June, 2024. This is fantastic news for all New Zealanders and Aussies dreaming of exploring China’s rich culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
New Zealanders and Australians can expect visa-free travel to China
According to the NZ Herald*, during his visit to New Zealand, Premier Li Qiang announced after meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Wellington that China would also include New Zealand in its list of countries eligible for unilateral visa-free entry.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (left) meets New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (right) on June 13, 2024
Four days later on June 17, according to Sky News Australia*, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China will include Australia in the list of unilateral visa-free countries. Li made the remarks during a joint press meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
“We agreed to provide each other with reciprocal access to five-year multiple entry visas for tourism, business and visiting family members – so as to better facilitate personal exchanges, China will also include Australia in its Visa Waiver Program,” the premier said.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang (right) meets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) on June 17, 2024
While the specific start and end dates for the visa-free policy have yet to be disclosed, it is expected to follow China’s existing visa-free arrangements with 25 other countries, which typically allow for 15-day stays and remain valid until the end of 2025.
The benefits of visa-free travel to China for tourists
Traveling to China without obtaining a visa provides numerous benefits for New Zealanders and Aussies looking for smooth exploration and cultural immersion:
- Visa-free travel eliminates the need for tourists to go through complex visa application processes, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and making travel planning more straightforward.
- Tourists have the flexibility to change their itineraries without the constraints of visa-related commitments.
- Tourists can save both time and money. New Zealanders may save around $140 while Aussies can save up to $110.
- Tourists can make impromptu travel decisions and explore new destinations on a whim, as they are not bound by the lengthy visa approval timelines and rigid itineraries.
- It helps tourists to focus on enjoying their travel experience, engaging more deeply with the local culture, and creating lasting memories.
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China is considered one of the affordable countries to visit in Asia, offering a range of budget-friendly options for travelers. With the upcoming visa-free travel policy, this vast country will become a hot destination for New Zealanders and Australians. Asia Vacation Group offers a plethora of China travel packages at unbeatable prices for you to choose from.
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