Validation is the period of time, during which a visa is good for the holder to enter China. Validation starts from the date of issurance and the expiration date is shown as ENTER BEFORE on the visa. This date is not the day that you must leave China, but the day must enter China. Usually the validation period is 90 days, but the Consulate now commonly issues visas with a 180-day validation.

Number of entries designates how many times a visa can be used to enter China (mainland) within the validation period. For those who enter from Hong Kong or Macau into mainland China, please note that each time you do so it counts as one entry.

Duration of stay

The duration of stay sets the maximum days of stay in China counting from the date of entry. For example, John has a single entry visa showing ENTER BEFORE Nov-20-2007 and with a duration of stay 30 days. If John enters China on November 18, 2007, he can still stay in China for 30 days, that is, until December 17. Note: the Consulate now commonly issues tourist visas (L) with a 60-day duration of stay.

Can I stay in China for more than 30 days with a tourist/family visit visa?

Yes, you can. The duration of stay for a tourist/family visit visa is normally 30 days (in fact, 60 days minimum for visas issued recently). If you can justify longer stay and indicate the expected dates of stay in China on the application form (form Q1), you will be issued a visa with a longer duration of stay, upto 180 days for single entry visa, or 90 days double or multiple entry visa.

If you want to stay even longer, you may apply for extension at local public security bureau (police station) for another 6 months each time. This is especially important for those who wants to send their children back to China for a year.

Please note that although requests for longer stay are usually granted, the consulate officers have the right not to issue a visa for the duration you requested, and their decisions are final.

General notes on visa application

• The applicant must submit the original passport with blank visa pages and valid for at least six months beyond the date of application, the completed visa application form, one passport photo and other documents related to application.
• The application form must be filled out faithfully, completely and the applicant shall bear the responsibility for all information provided. Application may be declined if the applicant failed to provide faithful information or documents.
• Holders of category X, Z, D or J-1 visa shall go through residential formalities in the local public security bureau within 30 days as of the date of entry into China.
• Activities irrelevant to applicant's statement made on the application form are not permitted.

How to apply

• please follow the "step by step procedures" at the bottom of the main page.