Period of validity of a Visa

The holder of a visa is permitted to enter China at any time prior to midnight on the date of expiry.

A visa is valid from the date of issuance. It automatically becomes invalid once its period of validity expires - regardless of the number of entries.

Foreign nationals who hold an expired visa will not be permitted to enter China.

Number of Entries of a Visa

The number of entries of a visa refers to the number of times the visa holder is permitted to enter China within the visa’s period of validity.

If the visa has no more entries, the visa holder cannot use the visa to enter China – even if the date of validity has not expired.

If the visa has unused entries – for example, if it is a multiple entry visa – it is not valid if its period of validly has expired, and the visa holder will be refused entry into China.

Duration of Stay of a Visa

Duration of stay of a visa refers to the maximum number of days the visa holder is allowed to stay in China from the date of entry into China - on each visit.

After entry into China, a foreign national who wishes to stay in China longer than the duration of stay on the visa must apply for an extension of stay at a local public security bureau, before the expiry of the duration of stay on the visa.

However, there is no guarantee that the application for extension of stay will be approved, and the applicant is responsible for any consequences following a rejection.

A foreign national who violates China’s laws and regulations by overstaying is liable to a fine or other penalties.