240-hour visa-free transit
Australia - China 240-hour transit eligibility
Australian passport holders cross the equator on long-haul flights from an island continent in the southern hemisphere, arriving 2-3 hours ahead of Beijing. The 240-hour visa-free transit is available via Sydney (SYD) or Melbourne (MEL), supporting stopovers after extended flights.
- Region
- Oceania
- Common departure cities
- Sydney, Melbourne
- Beijing time difference
- 2–3 hours ahead of Beijing
- Example third-place transit
- Example transit: Sydney → mainland China → a third country or region (not your departure country).
Before you transit — get China-ready
Open the full arrival checklist →Important reminders
- Visa-free entry does not allow work and cannot be extended.
- Register temporary accommodation within 24 hours after check-in.
- Tibet and some border areas may require extra permits before travel.