Status: Open
China’s Approved Destination Status (ADS) scheme has reopened. This follows the Chinese Government’s announcement on 10 August 2023 that Australia was again included on a list of countries for the scheme.
We manage the ADS scheme in Australia with the Department of Home Affairs and Tourism Australia. We look forward to welcoming the return of Chinese group tours as part of the ADS scheme.
Austrade is planning a staged resumption of the previously paused ADS scheme. It will have 3 phases:
Inbound tour operators (ITOs) previously approved under the ADS scheme are eligible to:
To apply to reactivate your previously approved ITO’s status:
To be considered for reactivation, ITOs will need to have maintained the relevant requirements to be an approved operator, such as membership of a relevant industry organisation.
View the list of reactivated ITOs at Approved inbound tour operators.
New ITOs can apply for the ADS scheme. To apply:
View the list of reactivated and new ITOs at Approved inbound tour operators.
Approved ITOs are required to abide by the ADS Code of Business Standards and Ethics.
This sets out the minimum quality standards and requirements for ADS tours.
Austrade manages Australia’s ADS scheme with the Department of Home Affairs and Tourism Australia.
The Department of Home Affairs is responsible for the immigration aspects of the scheme. Home Affairs is responsible for approving outbound tour operators (OTOs) to sell ADS tour packages and apply for ADS visas on the tourists’ behalf.
Tourism Australia is responsible for marketing Australia to Chinese consumers and for working with OTOs to equip them with the knowledge and skills to create and sell high quality tour packages to Australia.
Email ads@austrade.gov.au.
Telephone: 1800 048 155 (during business hours 9am – 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday, except public holidays).