What to Do If You Have a Valid China Visa in an Old Passport 

🧾 Traveling With a Valid Visa in an Expired Passport

If your China visa is still valid but your passport has expired:

• You may travel to China until the visa expiration date

• You must carry:

  • Your expired passport containing the valid visa

  • Your new, valid passport

Both passports must be presented when traveling.

🔁 Applying for a New Visa Instead

You may choose to apply for a new visa if you prefer not to travel with two passports. 

If applying for the same visa type:

• The Chinese consulate may require that your current visa is within six months of expiration before allowing a new application

• Approval is at the discretion of the consulate

Swift cannot guarantee that a new visa will be issued if your current visa does not meet the six-month expiration guideline.

If applying for a different visa type:

• You can apply at any time. 

Please note that applying for a new visa will cancel the original valid visa.

⚠️ Important Considerations

• You cannot hold two valid visas 

• The consulate determines whether an existing visa will be canceled

• Visa issuance is never guaranteed

Swift cannot override consulate rules regarding visa validity or replacement.

💡 Helpful Notes

• If traveling with two passports, ensure both are in good condition

• If your passport information no longer matches your visa, you will need to apply for a new visa

• Always verify visa type and expiration before booking travel