Know your visaThe difference between validity and stay duration
Print Edition
If you intend to stay in China for an extended period, you should understand the distinction between visa validity and stay duration — two important terms that can save you hassles at immigration. While they may sound similar, they refer to different things, and misinterpreting them could find you in legal trouble. Here’s what you should know.
What are visa validity and stay duration?
Visa validity (enter before/expiry date): This is the period when you can enter China. Consider it similar to your favorite store’s opening hours: You can visit at any time before its closing hours, but you can’t stay indefinitely inside.
Stay duration (duration of each stay): This is the amount of time you are allowed to stay in China each time you enter the country. Each entry specifies the duration of your stay (for example, 30 days).
How does it work?
Let’s say you have a multiple-entry visa that’s valid until January 2026. That means you can enter China as many times as you like before that date.
However, each time you enter, there’s a stay duration limit — let’s say it’s 30 days. This means that even if your visa is valid until 2026, each visit only allows you to stay for 30 days. Staying longer than allowed could mean overstaying your visa, which can cause problems.
What happens if you overstay?
If you overstay your visa, you could face penalties. For instance, you might receive a warning, and in more serious cases, you might face a fine or detention.
According to the Exit and Entry Administration Law, an illegal stay can result in fines of up to 500 yuan (US$68) per day (with a maximum fine of 10,000 yuan) or detention for five to 15 days.
Need more time?
If you need to extend your stay, don’t wait until the last minute to apply. You need to submit an extension request at least seven days before your stay expires.
How can you avoid a visa mix-up?
1. Know your dates: Always double-check both the expiry date and the stay duration. They’re not the same thing.
2. Stay within your limits: If your visa allows you 30 days, don’t push it to 31. Overstaying can lead to legal hassles.
3. Plan ahead: If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension well before your visa expires.
Got questions?
If you have any questions concerning your visa, please contact China’s National Immigration Administration’s 12367 service hotline or visit its website for assistance.
Staying on top of your visa requirements can save you a lot of hassles later. Stay smart, stay legal and, most importantly, stay within your visa limits.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
