This guide is based on the Chinese government, embassy and visa centre pages listed at the end, checked on 2026-10-20. Tables and worksheets are VisaPilot preparation methods, not an official checklist.
Read the three fields on your visa
| Field on the visa | What it means | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Enter Before | The last day you can enter, until 24:00 Beijing time | Thinking it is the last day you can stay |
| Entries | How many times you can enter the mainland: 1, 2 or M (multiple) | Forgetting that Hong Kong and Macao trips use an entry |
| Duration of Each Stay | Days allowed after each entry, counted from 00:00 on the day after you enter | Counting the arrival day as day one |
| 000 in Duration | You must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry (D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas) | Not applying in time, which counts as illegal overstay |
Example: a visa with Enter Before 1 June, 1 entry and a 30-day stay lets you arrive on 31 May and stay until 30 June.
Validity and stay are set by the officer
The officer decides the visa type, number of entries, validity and length of each stay from your purpose, planned length of stay and documents, so the visa may differ from what you asked for. First-time applicants generally receive a single-entry visa. For a double or multiple-entry visa, provide a copy of a Chinese visa held in the past five years and make sure your passport is valid long enough for the visa you request.
Apply one to two months before you travel. Applying too early can mean the visa expires before your trip; applying too late leaves no time for extra documents.
10-year multiple-entry visas
Under a 2014 China–US arrangement, US citizens may be eligible for a 10-year multiple-entry visa for tourism (L), business (M), family visits (Q1, Q2) or private visits (S2). The US passport must have more than 12 months of validity left. Validity, duration of stay and number of entries are still decided case by case, so a 10-year visa does not mean a long single stay: each stay is limited by the Duration of Each Stay printed on the visa.
US citizens who held a multi-year visa issued before 28 March 2020 can choose a free three-year multiple-entry visa as compensation for the pandemic suspension, or give that up and apply for a new 10-year visa at the normal fee.
New passport, old visa
If your visa is in an expired passport, you can travel with both passports as long as the name, date of birth, gender and nationality are the same and your trip matches the visa type. If any detail changed, apply for a new visa.
Overstaying
Staying past the Duration of Each Stay without an extension is illegal stay. Under the Exit and Entry Administration Law it brings a warning, and in serious cases a fine of RMB 500 a day up to RMB 10,000, or detention of 5 to 15 days. If you need longer, apply for an extension before your stay ends; see extending or changing a China visa.
Visa reading worksheet
Enter Before: [date] Last day I can arrive: [date, before 24:00 Beijing time] Entries: [1 / 2 / M] Entries I will use: [number, include Hong Kong / Macao returns] Duration of Each Stay: [days] Arrival date: [date] Must leave by: [arrival + days] Residence permit needed (000): [yes / no] Apply by: [arrival + 30 days] Passport the visa is in: [current / expired, carry both]
Common questions
What is the difference between visa validity and duration of stay for China?
Validity is the period in which you can enter, ending on the Enter Before date. Duration of Each Stay is how many days you may stay after each entry, counted from the day after you arrive.
Can I stay in China after my visa expires?
Yes, if you entered before the expiry date: you may stay for the full Duration of Each Stay even if the visa expires during your stay.
How long can I stay in China with a 10-year visa?
Only as long as the Duration of Each Stay printed on the visa for each entry. The 10 years is the period in which you can keep entering, not the length of one stay.
Why did I get a single entry visa when I applied for multiple entry?
The officer decides entries, validity and stay. First-time applicants generally receive a single-entry visa; a previous Chinese visa from the past five years supports a double or multiple-entry request.
What does 000 mean in the duration of stay?
It means the visa is for residence: holders of D, J1, Q1, S1, X1 and Z visas must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
Official sources and check dates
- Chinese Consulate-General in Manchester: Visa FAQs · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in India: FAQs on applying for Chinese visa · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in the US: How to apply · 2026-10-20
- Embassy of China in the US: Chinese visa application FAQs (updated September 2025) · 2026-10-20
- National Immigration Administration: Exit and Entry Administration Law · 2026-10-20
Official instructions take priority. Requirements differ between embassies, consulates and visa centres, so check the page for the place where you will apply. VisaPilot is an independent document preparation and review service, not affiliated with the Chinese government, embassies or visa centres. This guide does not assess eligibility or predict a decision.
Next step: check your own documents
Write down your arrival date, the entries you need and the days you plan to stay, then request a free human check.