China Visa Validity, Entries, and Passport Expiration Rules

🧾 How China Visa Validity Works

China visa validity, number of entries, and length of stay are determined entirely by the Chinese consulate.

Swift submits your application according to consulate rules, but cannot guarantee:

• Visa length

• Number of entries

• Maximum stay per visit

These decisions are made by the consulate on a case-by-case basis.

⏳ Typical Visa Validity (U.S. Passport Holders)

Most U.S. citizens are often issued the following, but this is not guaranteed:

• Business (M), Tourist (L), Private Stay (Q2 or S2):
  Up to 10-year multiple-entry visas

• Crew (C):
  Often issued up to 5-year multiple-entry visas

⚠️ The consulate may issue shorter validity or fewer entries at its discretion.

🔁 Single vs. Multiple Entry Visas

• Some visa types are normally issued as single-entry

• You may request multiple entries in the visa questionnaire

• The consulate is not required to approve multiple entries, even if requested

Important: Swift cannot influence the number of entries granted.

📘 Passport Validity Requirements

To apply for a China visa:

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of travel

If your passport has one year or less remaining validity:

• The consulate may issue a limited-validity visa

📕 Existing or Previous China Visas

Only one valid China visa is allowed at a time.

If you have a valid China visa in an old passport:

• You can still use this visa to travel to China. You must travel with both passports until the visa expires

• If you prefer to renew the visa, please include the old passport when shipping your documents

If applying for the same visa type:

• You may only apply once your current visa is within six months of expiration

If applying for a different visa type:

• Your existing visa will be canceled

• A cancellation statement must be submitted

Exception: Travelers with a crew (C) visa may hold another valid China visa simultaneously.

💡 Important Usage Rules

• Overstaying a visa can result in fines, detention, or future entry bans

• Entry is always determined by Chinese immigration officials at the port of entry

Swift cannot override or clarify decisions made by border officials.