The Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme has started.

The ADS scheme is a travel visa arrangement between the Australian and Chinese governments. The ADS scheme allows Chinese tourists to travel to Australia as part of an approved tour group. The first ADS tourists arrived in Australia in August 1999.

On 10 August 2023,​ the Chinese Government announced that Australia has been included on the list of countries for China’s ADS scheme.

From today, 25 September 2023, Visitor (subclass 600) (ADS stream) visa applications can be lodged. Those interested must contact a registered ADS scheme travel agent to apply for this visa.

For more information, see Visitor visa (subclass 600) Approved Destination Status stream