Pack your bags, no need for visa! See which country Aussies can now explore hassle-free!
- Replies 15
Australian globetrotters, it's time to dust off your passports and start planning your next adventure because international travel just got a whole lot easier!
A major change to Australia's passport has been unveiled in a landmark announcement that's set to revolutionise the way Aussies explore the world.
This change is one that promises to simplify your travel plans to one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet.
Imagine packing your bags, grabbing your passport, and jetting off to the bustling streets of Shanghai, the historic wonders of the Great Wall, or the scenic landscapes of Guilin—all without the hassle of applying for a visa.
That's right, the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, just delivered some fantastic news for Australian citizens.
During a significant meeting in Canberra with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and key cabinet members on Monday, June 17, Premier Li announced that Australia has been included in China's visa waiver program.
This remarkable development means that Australians will no longer need to secure a visa for trips of up to 15 days, whether for business, tourism, or visiting family and friends.
This change is both a time-saver and a money-saver, cutting out the approximate $110 fee that Aussies previously had to fork out for a single entry visa to China.
However, the good news doesn't stop there. China and Australia agreed to reciprocal multi-entry visas valid for three to five years for those looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture or conduct business over longer periods.
This means you can visit China as many times as you wish during the validity of your visa, giving you the flexibility to build lasting personal and professional relationships.
Australians now possess the fifth most powerful passport globally, granting visa-free access to 190 countries.
The inclusion of Australia in China's visa waiver program is a testament to the renewed and revitalised engagement between the two nations.
During his visit to Australia, Mr Li will also meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, and Resources Minister Madeleine King.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the importance of direct dialogue and cooperation, stating, ‘My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia's relationship with China because they're always most effective when we deal directly with each other.’
‘It is crucial for us to engage with each other, given how close we are geographically, how interconnected we are economically, and the deep and enduring bonds between our people.’
‘Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement,’ he added.
During Premier Li's historic visit—the first by a Chinese premier to Australia in seven years—the two countries signed four memoranda of understanding covering a range of areas, including the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, climate change, education and research, strategic economic dialogue, and cultural cooperation.
The prime minister's November trip to China, followed by Mr Li's current visit to Australia, demonstrates that both nations place ‘great importance’ on their relationship, according to the premier.
‘This relationship is on the right track of steady improvement,’ Mr Li remarked.
‘Prime Minister Albanese and I have had a candid, in-depth and fruitful discussion that has reached a lot of common consensus.’
Premier Li's visit marked a positive step forward in a relationship that has seen its fair share of turbulence.
With both pro and anti-China demonstrators making their voices heard in Canberra, it's clear that the path to a stable and productive partnership requires careful navigation.
As Premier Li continued his visit, which included stops in South Australia and Western Australia, the focus will be on strengthening ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
The ongoing diplomatic engagements between Australia and China highlight the significance of bilateral relationships and the ease of travel between the two nations.
The recent discussions around potentially introducing a visa-free travel arrangement for Australian and Chinese citizens could mark a new chapter in international mobility.
As Australia continues to strengthen its global connections, it’s worth noting where the Australian passport stands among the world's most powerful travel documents.
This brings us to the latest rankings of the top passports for 2024, where Australians will be keen to see if their passport remains among the elite.
Where in China have you always dreamed of visiting? What are your thoughts on this recent development? Share your travel aspirations and insights with us in the comments below.
A major change to Australia's passport has been unveiled in a landmark announcement that's set to revolutionise the way Aussies explore the world.
This change is one that promises to simplify your travel plans to one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet.
Imagine packing your bags, grabbing your passport, and jetting off to the bustling streets of Shanghai, the historic wonders of the Great Wall, or the scenic landscapes of Guilin—all without the hassle of applying for a visa.
That's right, the Chinese Premier, Li Qiang, just delivered some fantastic news for Australian citizens.
During a significant meeting in Canberra with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and key cabinet members on Monday, June 17, Premier Li announced that Australia has been included in China's visa waiver program.
Australians can now travel to China visa-free for up to 15 days for business, tourism, and family visits, following China's visa waiver program announcement by Premier Li Qiang. Credit: Instagram / Anthony Albanese
This remarkable development means that Australians will no longer need to secure a visa for trips of up to 15 days, whether for business, tourism, or visiting family and friends.
This change is both a time-saver and a money-saver, cutting out the approximate $110 fee that Aussies previously had to fork out for a single entry visa to China.
However, the good news doesn't stop there. China and Australia agreed to reciprocal multi-entry visas valid for three to five years for those looking to immerse themselves in Chinese culture or conduct business over longer periods.
This means you can visit China as many times as you wish during the validity of your visa, giving you the flexibility to build lasting personal and professional relationships.
Australians now possess the fifth most powerful passport globally, granting visa-free access to 190 countries.
The inclusion of Australia in China's visa waiver program is a testament to the renewed and revitalised engagement between the two nations.
During his visit to Australia, Mr Li will also meet with Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong, Trade Minister Don Farrell, and Resources Minister Madeleine King.
Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the importance of direct dialogue and cooperation, stating, ‘My government has put dialogue at the centre of Australia's relationship with China because they're always most effective when we deal directly with each other.’
‘It is crucial for us to engage with each other, given how close we are geographically, how interconnected we are economically, and the deep and enduring bonds between our people.’
‘Australia and China have renewed and revitalised our engagement,’ he added.
During Premier Li's historic visit—the first by a Chinese premier to Australia in seven years—the two countries signed four memoranda of understanding covering a range of areas, including the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement, climate change, education and research, strategic economic dialogue, and cultural cooperation.
The prime minister's November trip to China, followed by Mr Li's current visit to Australia, demonstrates that both nations place ‘great importance’ on their relationship, according to the premier.
‘This relationship is on the right track of steady improvement,’ Mr Li remarked.
‘Prime Minister Albanese and I have had a candid, in-depth and fruitful discussion that has reached a lot of common consensus.’
Premier Li's visit marked a positive step forward in a relationship that has seen its fair share of turbulence.
With both pro and anti-China demonstrators making their voices heard in Canberra, it's clear that the path to a stable and productive partnership requires careful navigation.
As Premier Li continued his visit, which included stops in South Australia and Western Australia, the focus will be on strengthening ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration in various sectors.
The ongoing diplomatic engagements between Australia and China highlight the significance of bilateral relationships and the ease of travel between the two nations.
The recent discussions around potentially introducing a visa-free travel arrangement for Australian and Chinese citizens could mark a new chapter in international mobility.
As Australia continues to strengthen its global connections, it’s worth noting where the Australian passport stands among the world's most powerful travel documents.
This brings us to the latest rankings of the top passports for 2024, where Australians will be keen to see if their passport remains among the elite.
.png){kind=icon}
