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China Visa Renewal and Extension

Generally speaking, it is not possible to renew, extend a China visa or change it into another type once it is issued. However, if you want to spend more time there, want a multiple-entry visa, or need to have a different type of visa, you can - in many circumstances - apply within China.

Currently, it seems that one month is the standard period for regular tourist visa extension. However, the accumulated length of the extended stay cannot exceed the duration of stay on your original visa.
 

Where to extend or renew China visa?

The procedure is very similar to applying outside through Chinese embassy, but you must go to the Public Security Bureau (PSB) Exit and Entry Administration office of county level or above. Smaller centers might not have good English speakers so it is a good idea to take a Chinese friend with you if you can. Ask at international hotels if you are not sure where the PSB Exit and Entry Administration office is.
 

When to apply for China visa renewal and extension?

According to the regulations, you have to submit application for extension at least 7 days before your visa expires. The PSB officers will issue you with a receipt once they accept your application and make the final decision within 7 days. If you apply too late, you may overstay and are subject to a fine and possible deportation.

The new visa runs from the date of issue (a small difference compared with those issued outside China which do not start until entry) and the old one is cancelled at the same time. So, you cannot have two concurrent visas.
 

How to extend or renew my China visa?

The required documents you must prepare in advance include your passport, a recent passport style photo, a registration form of temporary residence, and proof about reasons for extending or renewing your China visa, for example, if you apply for tourist visa extension, you need to submit a travel itinerary.

In normal cases, the applicant should come in person to the PSB Exit and Entry Administration office to submit the application. Upon arrival, complete a visa application form and attach your photo onto it. Then submit the application.

In the following situations, the applicant can have others or an agency submit the application:
1) The applicant is under 16 or more than 60 years old, or with mobility difficulties.
2) The applicant is not a first-time visitor to China and has a good stay record for the past visits.
3) There is an inviting entity or individual funding the applicant’s visit.

How to get the registration form of temporary residence for overseas visitors

The residency registration comes from the regulation that all foreigners must register their accommodation details within 24 hours after entering China.

If you are staying in a hotel certified to accommodate foreigners, it can provide you with a hotel accommodation registration slip. If not, you must obtain an accommodation registration printout from the police station for the area you are living in and where you should already have registered. So if you are staying in a non accredited hotel or with friends or in an apartment but have not registered, you should either register or stay in an accredited hotel for one night in order to get the slip.
 

How much does it cost to extend a China visa?

For nationals of most countries, the fee is CNY 160. For some countries, the fee may differ. US citizens need to pay CNY 760 for an extension while UK citizens need CNY 469.
 

Further Reading:

How to Apply for a China Visa
Apply for China Visa in a Third Country
How to Apply a China Visa in Hong Kong

- Last updated on May. 25, 2023 -
Questions & Answers on China Visa Renewal and Extension
Asked by Ali Shayan from PAKISTAN | Aug. 17, 2023 14:09Reply
Bank account opening
I want to open a bank account but I have F type visa with 90 days validity Can I do that?
Answers (3)
Answered by Evelyn | Aug. 18, 2023 00:33
00Reply


With the right documents , you can
Answered by Tina | Aug. 18, 2023 00:33
00Reply


Yes you can with documents
Answered by Emma | Aug. 18, 2023 00:40
00Reply


Generally, you can not.
Asked by Myla from UKRAINE | Aug. 16, 2023 04:46Reply
M visa
Can M visa be renewed/reapplied/extended without exiting China? For how long of it is possible?
Answers (1)
Answered by Emily | Aug. 16, 2023 19:02
00Reply


Yes, it can be extended in the local entry and exit administration bureau.
Asked by Ali Shayan from PAKISTAN | Aug. 15, 2023 09:49Reply
F type visa extension
I have F type Chinese visa with allowed duration of stay of 90 days. I want to apply for extension. Can you guide can I apply for 3 months extension because when I asked consulate they said only one month extension is allowed for Pakistan
Answers (3)
Answered by Andy | Aug. 15, 2023 20:58
00Reply


Generally, everything is subject to the interpretation of the consulate. You can also confirm it again with the local entry and exit administration bureau, but the result may be the same.
Answered by Ali Shayan | Aug. 17, 2023 14:07
00Reply


Can I open a bank account on 90 days duration f type visa in china
Answered by Andrew | Aug. 17, 2023 20:05
00Reply


3 month is not enough. Generally, those who stay over one year can apply for one card.
Asked by Lovelyn from PHILIPPINES | Aug. 10, 2023 00:33Reply
Visa application
How many weeks gap i can apply again for tourist and s1 visa for me and my son?
Me and my Son are currently here in china and holding L visa for me for 6 months and s1 visa for my son for 6 months also
Our visa will expires on october and we want to come back emediately coz we plan that our son will study here for kindergarten
Unfortunately not posible for spouse visa for now for some reasons
My partner is indian national (working expat)
Thanks
Answers (1)
Answered by Alex | Aug. 10, 2023 23:52
00Reply


Instead of leaving China and applying again, I recommend you to try to extend your current visas at first at local PSB in China. There is no such regulation on the gap between two applications. I only know if one failed in obtaining the visa, it is usually advised to try again 2-3 months later.
Asked by Uwant Tono from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 06, 2023 23:13Reply
Extension of Tourist visa
I am in China at present on a single entry 3-month visa that expires Sept.1, but when I went to register at the local police station, they extended my stay in China until Sept. 16. So (i) can I legally stay in China until Sept 16, even though the visa in my passport expires Sept 1, and (ii) will the PSB extend my visa from Sept 1 or Sept 16, if I want to extend my visa?
Answers (1)
Answered by Eric | Aug. 07, 2023 00:44
00Reply


1. If the duration of stay is really extended to Sept.16, then you can stay legally till then. But as I know, it can only be extended by PSB. I haven't heard about it has been extended by policeman.
2. They will extend it from Sept.16.
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