The New 60-Day China Visa Extension Policy Explained

The expat community in China has been abuzz since Sunday evening, when practically every English language blog and media channel began publishing about comments made by Liu Haitao, an official with China's National Immigration Administration, regarding extending foreigners visas.

Mr. Liu announced on Sunday at a press conference that in order to facilitate foreigners' stay in China during the battle against the COVID-19 outbreak, foreigners will have their stay or residence permits extended automatically for two months without needing to apply or go through any special procedures.

Source: 在华外国人停居留期限到期，可自动顺延2个月

https://ie.bjd.com.cn/5b165687a010550e5ddc0e6a/contentApp/5b16573ae4b02a9fe2d558f9/AP5e5b6803e4b0b1ff1f884005?isshare=1

The announcement was too vague for our tastes at ShekouDaily and left quite a few questions unanswered. We realize that the topic of visas in China is a difficult one for many and no one wants to risk losing their visa because of misunderstandings. So we held off on any publication of the news until we can get confirmation on the important points you need to know. Unfortunately, having been Sunday afternoon, it was difficult to get any official confirmation immediately following the announcement. Yesterday, we were finally able to confirm three key points with the help of our readers who went out of their way to contact immigration directly and published the answer immediately on ShekouDaily.com:

• Which types of visas exactly does this appy to?

• When exactly does this take effect?

• Does this apply to anyone no matter if they entered China before or after the announcement?

Here are the Details:

There are three types of stays in China:

• Tourist visa, F or M visa, issued by Chinese consultate overseas;

• Visa extended in mainland China “stay permit”;

• Resident permits for working, studying or family reunion.

Under the new rule, during the new coronavirus outbreak protection period, and effective immediately, all of these types of visas will automatically be extended for 60 days without needing to go through any application procedure. Anyone who has overstayed their visa will not be deemed to have overstayed as long as the overstay started on or after the 20th of January, 2020. 

Additionally, if you only have a 30-day tourist or business visa and you enter after this announcement was made, you still qualify. You will still be granted the 60 day extension without application.

This is the current policy and is currently being granted to anyone until further notification.

EXAMPLE SCENARIOS:

Scenario 1: You have a business visa valid until January 2021. You last entered China on Febrary 10th, 2020 and have a 30-day entry (aka: stay). Do you have to exit China within 30 days of February 10th (March 11th)? 

Answer: Normally, yes; however, in the current situation, your permitted stay will be extended 60 days from March 11th to May 11th.

Scenario 2: You have a residence permit that expires on March 8th, 2020. Do you have to leave China or get a new residence permit before March 8th?

Answer: Normally yes; however, in the current situation, you will be allowed to stay in China until April 30th without being treated as having overstayed.

Scenario 3: You have a residence permit that expires on March 15 but you're currently out of the country and do not plan to return to China until April 15th. Will you be able to enter?

Answer: No, you will not be able to enter on that visa; however, you can get a visa-on-arrival and then apply for an extension upon your arrival.

Scenario 4: You have a 30-day tourist visa valid until March 5, 2020. You will enter China prior to March 5th, but you want to stay in China until May. Will you be able to?

Answer: Yes, as long as you enter before your visa expires, and until the policy is changed, your visa stay will be extended 60-day. So if you enter on March 4th, you will be able to stay until May 29th, instead of April 3rd.

The bottom line is China doesn't want foreigners to worry and prefer that you stay home and stay safe instead of running around trying to get your stamps or fix expiring visas.

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