WARNING: Typhoon Ragasa is approaching Southern China provinces
The China Meteorological Administration has upgraded its emergency response to Level I (the highest in China’s four-tier warning system) for the approaching Typhoon Ragasa. It predicts that from the evening of September 23, moderate to heavy rain will hit most parts of Guangdong, central and southern Guangxi, southern Fujian, southern Jiangxi, southern Hunan, eastern Yunnan.
Several provincial governments have issued orange (level 4/5) and red typhoon warnings (level 5/5). We expect warning levels to increase over the coming days as Typhoon Ragasa impacts Southern China provinces. Follow the advice of local authorities as per China Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller.
The Guangzhou Municipal General Command of Flood Control, Drought and Wind Control has implemented a "Five Suspensions" rating, meaning the suspension of school, work, production, transportation, and business throughout Guangzhou city. As a result, the Australian Consulate in Guangzhou will be closed on 24 September 2025.
Should you require emergency assistance: Contact the Consulate during business hours on +86 20 3814 0111 to be trannsferred to the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Australia. Alternatively call direct on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia). Alternatively, you may wish to use the online form - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
The Guangdong Foreign Affairs Office has also provided the following advice (as at 23 September):
This year's No.18 Super Typhoon Ragasa is characterized by its extreme intensity, large wind field radius, and destructive power. It is forecasted to severely affect our city with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges from September 23 to 25. To ensure the safety and security of you, your families, and your property, please be sure to take the following preventive measures:
Please closely monitor weather forecasts and early warning information issued by the city, and stay updated on the typhoon's movement. Adjust travel plans accordingly and avoid areas expected to be impacted. Particularly, refrain from visiting coastal zones, scenic spots near mountains or water bodies, outdoor campsites, and other high-risk areas. Do not venture out to sea. During the typhoon, please remain indoors as much as possible. Park private vehicles in secure, elevated locations. At home, thoroughly inspect and reinforce outdoor structures such as sunroom canopies, external AC units, window grilles, and sunshades/awnings. Move potted plants and other items from balconies indoors to prevent falling objects. Keep doors and windows firmly closed. Reinforce glass doors and windows by affixing tape in a crisscross "X" pattern. Pay attention to electrical and gas safety. If flooding inside the premises is possible, pre-emptively tum off the power supply and gas valve. It is advisable to prepare emergency supplies including drinking water, food, and lighting equipment.
If going outdoors is absolutely necessary, exercise extreme caution. Stay away from billboards, transmission towers, utility poles, and large trees. Do not linger near glass windows/doors, dilapidated houses, or temporary structures. Actively avoid dangerous areas prone to falling rocks, landslides, flash floods, mudslides, and areas surrounding drainage channels.
When driving, follow the instructions of traffic police and do not attempt to traverse flooded roads. If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it immediately and move to safety. Pedestrians walking through flooded areas should watch their step to avoid falling into drains or manholes. Keep away from any potentially electrified objects or facilities.
For emergency assistance, please call the following numbers at any time: 110 (Police), 119 (Fire Department), 960169 (Multilingual Service).
Australian Consulate-General in Shenyang
Australia’s Consulate-General in Shenyang has closed to the public. The Australian Embassy in Beijing will provide continued consular and notarial services and support for Australian businesses.
Travel Advice
We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in China. As previously advised, authorities have detained foreigners on the grounds of 'endangering national security'. Australians may be at risk of arbitrary detention or harsh enforcement of local laws, including broadly defined National Security Laws.
You may now be eligible to enter China for no more than 30 days without a visa (see the 'Travel' section of the Smartraveller China travel advice).
Travel advice:
Exercise a high degree of caution in China overall.
Other levels apply in some areas.
Click here for Travel Advice.
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For Australians requiring urgent consular assistance:
Contact the Consulate during business hours on +86 20 3814 0111 or the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas) or 1300 555 135 (within Australia). Alternatively, you may wish to use the online form -
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
Appointments for passport and notarial services
Appointments are required for all passport and notarial services and must be booked via acggz.setmore.com.
Passport appointments are available Monday to Friday. Each passport applicant requires a separate appointment. Families will require separate appointments for each adult/child applicant. Appointments are not required for passport collection or for emergency consular/passport services.
Notarial services appointments are available Monday to Friday afternoons.
Please book your appointment as early as possible.
Australian Visa and Citizenship Applications
All Australian Visa and Citizenship questions must be directed to the Department of Home Affairs. Online enquiries can be submitted here.
The Department of Home Affairs (HA) are trialling a Digital Assistant to answer your visa and citizenship questions. The Digital Assistant will make it easier and faster for you to find what you need on their website. You can access the Digital Assistant from the Digital Assistant tab on the bottom right hand side of the screen on most Immigration and Citizenship pages.
Consulate-General Opening Hours
The Consulate-General will be open from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday except for public holidays.
Australians requiring advice or assistance from the consular section may call during business hours from 8:30 to 5:00 Monday to Friday.
Please note:
- Passport Applications: Monday-Friday 9:00 – 12:00, to make an appointment please click here.
- Notarial Services: Monday-Friday 14:00 – 16:00, to make an appointment please click here.
