Chinese visa period of validity

Chinese visa period of validity - Overcast in City

So here's my problem : once you obtain your chinese visa, you seemingly have 3 months of validity to enter the country. I will not be able to do this in my home country (Canada) since I am aiming to spend a few months in Europe before going to China. So my question is two-fold :

  • Is it true that the double entry visa is valid for 6 months (I've read this, but would enjoy a confirmation from someone with relevant experience)
  • Otherwise, how easy is it to obtain a tourist visa outside of your home country (say London or Berlin)?


Best Answer

I can confirm that multiple entry visa have a longer validity. I do not know specifically about double-entry visa, but multi-entry visa (unlimited) are valid for a year.

You can get a China visa when abroad, but it is much easier in countries where travel to China is frequent, such as Hong Kong or Singapore. This question is relevant for the details.




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How long is a Chinese visa valid for?

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.

Is Chinese 10-year visa still valid?

The "10-year Chinese Visa" is multi-year and multi-entry business, tourism, and family-visit visa issued for Canadians who meet the requirements in terms of the agreement on facilitation of people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada on March 9, 2015. The visa is valid for up to 10 years.

What is visa validity period?

Visa validity is the length of time that a visa can be used to enter and/or stay in the destination country. Each country has its own visa policy, which determines how long each type of visa is valid for. Validity periods can vary depending on the purpose of the visa (e.g. tourism, business, work, etc.)

What happens if my Chinese visa expires?

Chinese embassies and consulates general do not extend the validity of an issued visa. A fresh application is needed after the expiry of the issued visa. Foreigners holding an expired visa seeking entry will be refused. Make sure the visa is valid before you set off for China.



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More answers regarding chinese visa period of validity

Answer 2

The accepted answer has been overtaken by events.

At this point US citizens get 10-year multi-entry visas. Unfortunately, they are $140 and you either apply in person or hire a visa agency to do so--there is no mail service. (Both of these restrictions are tit-for-tat, don't expect them to change other than possibly for the worse.)

I was issued a 60 days/entry visa but this is far from the first Chinese visa I have had. My wife was issued 90 days/entry but she is China-born and they're more liberal with visas for those of Chinese heritage.

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