China and Australia will allow citizens to get visas that last for five years for visiting as tourists or for business purposes

As another step toward strengthening relations, China and Australia will provide their people multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years for travel and business starting on Friday, according to the Chinese foreign ministry.

The visa agreement came about in response to China’s Premier Li Qiang’s historic visit to Australia earlier this week, which signaled a warming of bilateral relations following a period of tense relations.

Chinese nationals used to be able to apply for visas to visit Australia for up to a year, or up to ten years if they were frequent visitors.

In order to simplify travel for both business and pleasure, China has started lowering entry criteria for visitors from some countries since last year. This comes after three years of tight COVID-19 restrictions that had essentially closed China’s international borders.

Li announced that China would include Australia in its visa waiver program, enabling Australians to enter the nation for up to 15 days without a visa, while on a visit to Australia.