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China Visa Entries / Validity / Duration of Stay

A holder of a valid Chinese visa can enter China during its validity and stay there for the allowed duration after each entry. It's important to carefully check the number of entries, validity and duration of each stay after your visa is issued to avoid any problems.
 

Number of Entries: Single (01), Double (02) and Multiple (M)

China Visa Sample
China Visa Sample (click to enlarge)

China issues single, double, and multiple-entry visas. A single-entry visa only allows you to enter China once, a double-entry twice, and a multiple-entry visa enables you to exit from mainland China and re-enter on the same visa for multiple times during its validity.

Once you leave mainland China, you must either have another valid entry on your original visa or obtain a new visa to return. Remember that even a few hours in Hong Kong or Macau is an exit from mainland China in this context. Also, remember that you cannot gain extra entries on a visa once it has been issued. In case you need more entries, you would have to apply for a new visa.

When filling out China Visa Application Form, you can tick the intended number of entries and validity of your visa in Section 2.2. For UK, US, Canada, and Argentina citizens, they can also tick the last option "Other (Please specify)" and express their wish for getting a 10-year China visa with multiple entries in the blank after. However, you are not guaranteed to get the intended number of entries you select. The consular officers may judge by your actual itinerary and make their own decision. It seems that they are less willing to issue multiple entries if you apply outside your home country.
 

China Visa Validity: 3 Months, 6 Months, 1 Year, 10 Years

The validity of a China visa is the period between the "Issue Date" and "Enter Before" date shown on your visa. It is usually 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and sometimes even 10 years. Holders please note that they must enter mainland China before 24:00 of the "Enter Before" date. Otherwise, the visa will expire and cannot be extended no matter whether there are entries left, and reapplication is required.

Read more:
10-year China Visa for US & Canadian Citizens
10-year China Visa for UK Citizens
 

Duration of Each Stay after Entry

Duration of each stay is clearly shown on a China visa, which refers to the maximum number of days the holder is permitted to stay in the mainland of China each time and is counted from the next day after entry.

The granted duration of stay ranges from 7 to 180 days. For transit visas, the duration of stay is 7 to 10 days. For a regular single-entry tourist visa, it's often 30 days. The longest durations of stay for X2, S2, Q2, and J2 visas are 180 days. If you receive Z, Q1, S1, J1, or X1 visas, you may find that the stay duration shown on your visa is 000. In this case, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit from a local exit and entry administration within 30 days after entering China. During the validity of your residence permit, you can stay in China for any number of days as you wish.

Travelers need to keep in mind of the time limit in order not to overstay. Overstaying is against the Chinese laws and regulations, punishments such as fines or even expulsion will be made.

In need of an extended stay, applicants should apply for it at the Exit and Entry Administration of local public security at least 7 days before the allowed stay duration runs out. See China Visa Renewal and Extension.

- Last modified on Jan. 14, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on China Visa Entries / Validity / Duration of Stay
Asked by Leo from PAKISTAN | Feb. 02, 2021 04:01Reply
Changing visa status
If i change my visa status from m business visa to z work visa in China, do i have to exit China and reneter for the new visa to be valid ? Or it will be valid without exiting.
Answers (1)
Answered by Leo | Feb. 09, 2021 18:19
00Reply


No, you don't need to exit and reenter China to activate the new visa.
Asked by paul jensen from USA | Jan. 28, 2021 13:15Reply
Hi my name is paul jensen i have a 10 year visa and musy go out every 60 days can i use it now.
thank you for your answer
Answers (1)
Answered by Janet | Feb. 09, 2021 18:18
00Reply


Paul, currently, the 10 year visa has been suspended, so you cannot enter China with it.
Asked by Allan from PHILIPPINES | Jan. 25, 2021 03:03Reply
Duration of stay
How to apply for a Chinese visa with duration of stay more than 30 days? Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Amanda | Feb. 09, 2021 18:17
00Reply


Allan, which type of visa do you want to apply? Anyway, no matter which type it is, you should first prepare the relevant documents and then submit them all to the Chinese Embassy in your country.
Asked by S from UNITED KINGDOM | Jan. 14, 2021 23:53Reply
I have a Z Visa which expires on the exact same day as my work contract
I have a Z Visa which expires on the exact same day as my work contract. If I wish to leave China once my contract is over how many days do I have after my Visa expires to leave... as I will need to.work to the last day of my contract but I cant exactly finish work and run to the airport. so what is the procedure for this kind of situation.
Answers (3)
Answered by Charles | Jan. 24, 2021 22:55
00Reply


Actually you should leave before your visa expires. Therefore, you need to extend your visa or change it to a 30-day humanitarian visa before it expires to not overstay in China.
Answered by shah | Jan. 26, 2021 21:02
00Reply


hi, I am also facing the same problem; visa and work both getting finished at the same date, and other issue is there is no flight between India and china by the governments. second wave of pandemic is also there. what should I do., can I get another 2 months visa after march somehow ? because no flights available?
Answered by Charles | Feb. 01, 2021 01:08
00Reply


If there are no flights by then, you should visit the exit and entry administration and extend your visa before it expires.
Asked by berfit from ERITREA | Jan. 10, 2021 01:50Reply
I have a residence permit till 2023 and my university said if i am can comeback they are welcome.
there fore as a foreign student and currently out side china is it possible to return. i heard some students are returning to shanghai.
Answers (1)
Answered by Leona | Jan. 10, 2021 22:31
00Reply


You may return to China if the residence permit is still valid, but you should take the relevant tests and get the health code before departure.
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