The Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream is a dedicated category under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) that allows eligible travellers to visit Australia as part of an organised group tour arranged by an authorised travel agent.
Unlike independent travel options available under the broader subclass 600, this stream is specifically designed for structured, packaged tours. It operates under a bilateral arrangement between Australia and China, enabling citizens of certain regions of China to visit Australia through a formalised, government-recognised tourism pathway.
The Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) covers several streams, including the tourist stream, business visitor stream, and family stream. The ADS stream is a distinct pathway with its own eligibility criteria and conditions.
Who can apply for the ADS stream?
Citizenship and residency requirements
The ADS stream is available to citizens of specific areas of China that are recognised under the Australian Government’s Approved Destination Status scheme. Applicants must hold a valid Chinese passport issued in an eligible area.
Tour and travel agent requirements
To qualify under this stream, you must intend to travel to Australia as part of a tour organised by a travel agent that is formally approved to operate under the ADS scheme. Independent travel is not permitted under this visa category.
General visa requirements
Applicants must also satisfy the standard visitor visa requirements set by the Department of Home Affairs, including:
- Meeting health requirements
- Meeting character requirements
- Demonstrating genuine intention to visit temporarily
- Having no outstanding debts to the Australian Government
What can you do on the ADS stream visa?
If your ADS stream application is approved, you can:
- Enter Australia as part of your approved tour group
- Participate in sightseeing, cultural activities, and itinerary-based experiences arranged as part of your tour package
- Stay in Australia for the period specified in your visa grant notice
Your visa is linked electronically to your passport — no physical visa label or stamp is required. The length of stay is determined by your approved tour itinerary and will be confirmed in your visa grant notification.
Important conditions of the ADS stream visa
You must travel with your tour group
The ADS stream does not permit independent travel. You are required to travel with your approved tour group for the entire duration of your visit to Australia.
No paid work is permitted
Like all visitor visas for Australia, the ADS stream does not allow you to undertake any paid employment while in Australia.
Length of stay is itinerary-based
The Department of Home Affairs determines how long you may stay based on the tour itinerary submitted with your application. The approved duration will be stated in your visa grant notification.
No physical visa label required
Australia uses an electronic visa system. Your ADS stream visa will be linked digitally to your passport, so airlines and border officers can verify it automatically.
Get expert help with your ADS stream visa application
Applying for the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) ADS stream involves specific eligibility checks, documentation requirements, and tour arrangements that must align with Department of Home Affairs guidelines.
For personalised, trusted guidance, visit immigrationau.com.au. Immigration AU connects you with registered migration agents who can:
- Assess your eligibility for the ADS stream
- Guide you through the application process step by step
- Help you compile the correct supporting documents
- Give your application the best possible chance of approval
Return to: Australian Visitor Visas — Complete Guide
DISCLAIMER: This disclaimer applies to all content published on immigrationau.com.au and its associated social media channels. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon for making any visa or migration decisions. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change, and the material may not reflect the most current regulations. For guidance specific to your circumstances, please consult a Registered Migration Agent (MARA) or a qualified Australian lawyer before submitting any applications.
Frequently Asked Questions - Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) Approved Destination Status (ADS) stream
The Approved Destination Status stream is a specific pathway under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600) that allows eligible Chinese citizens to visit Australia on an organised tour arranged by an approved travel agent under a bilateral Australia–China tourism agreement.
This stream is available to citizens of certain areas of China who plan to enter Australia on an official, pre-arranged tour through an approved ADS travel agent.
No. The ADS stream requires you to travel with your approved tour group throughout your entire visit. Independent travel is not permitted under this visa category.
No. This is a short-stay visitor visa and does not permit any form of paid employment in Australia.
Your permitted length of stay is determined by your approved tour itinerary and will be specified in your visa grant notification.
No. While both fall under the Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), the ADS stream has specific eligibility conditions — including the requirement to travel as part of an approved organised tour — that differ from the standard tourist stream.
No. Your visa is granted electronically and linked to your passport. No physical label or stamp is required.
