China and Australia agree to introduce multiple-entry visas

An agreement to introduce a new multiple-entry visa to facilitate entry and strengthen ties between China and Australia has been approved by the countries' leaders. At meetings this week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang discussed ways to cooperate and enable stronger ties between the two countries.

A joint statement from the Australian and Chinese governments said they welcomed "contributions to bilateral relations, including growing exchanges of students, tourists and business people following the lifting of border restrictions."

The leaders reached an agreement to facilitate exchanges, including access to multiple-entry visas of three to five years for reciprocal visits and business travel.

Ms Margy Osmond, CEO of Tourism and Transport Forum (TTF) Australia, said the new visa regime will greatly facilitate travel between the two countries and encourage more Chinese tourists and students to visit Australia.

According to Ms Osmond, China was Australia's main international tourism market before the pandemic and these changes should increase the flow of Chinese tourists to Australia, contributing to the recovery of Australia's tourism sector.