Status: Open
China’s 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.
Austrade manages 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:
ITOs previously approved under the ADS scheme are eligible to:
To apply to reactivate:
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 organization and continue to meet the Fit and Proper Person requirements.
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.
Tour guides (TGs) previously approved under the ADS scheme are eligible to continue to work with ADS approved ITOs.
Previously approved ADS TGs who need to update their contact details can do so by emailing ads@austrade.gov.au.
Austrade is not currently approving any new tour guide applications. However, if you are a tour guide and you would like to work in the ADS scheme as a guide you can.
Unapproved tour guides can work under the ADS scheme provided they:
The ITO must record the unapproved tour guide’s details in the Austrade ADS tour guide register included in your approval email and provide Austrade with the register when asked as part of our compliance monitoring checks.
Note: Austrade is continuing to monitor and undertake ADS code compliance activities. This will include compliance projects involving approved ADS inbound tour operators and tour guides.
Approved ITOs are required to abide by the ADS Code of Business Standards and Ethics.
The Code sets out the minimum quality standards and requirements for ADS tours.
Austrade administers Australia’s ADS scheme with the Department of Home Affairs and Tourism Australia.
Austrade’s role is to undertake assessment and approval of ITOs in the ADS scheme in Australia and monitor compliance with the ADS Code of Business Standards and Ethics.
The Department of Home Affairs manages the immigration requirements of the scheme and 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).