Duration of stay: the number of days printed on a Chinese visa
Unofficial entry · Sources checked
The duration of stay is the period of time a visa allows its holder to remain in China after each entry. Article 36(3) of the Regulations on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners defines the term, and the period begins on the day after entry. For the other items printed on a visa, see Visas and residence.
Definition
Article 36(3) of the Regulations states: "The duration of stay specified in the visa means the period of time during which the visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It begins from the next day of entry."
Article 36 defines two other items that are printed on a visa: the number of entries (Article 36(1)) and the validity period of the entry (Article 36(2)). Each is a separate item.
What the official text says
The Regulations (Article 36)
- Article 36(3) defines the duration of stay as stated above.
- Article 36(4) defines short-term as staying in China for a period not exceeding 180 days (including 180 days).
- Article 36(5) defines long-term or resident as residing in China for a period exceeding 180 days.
The UK embassy page
The page "Part One: Visa for China (Mainland only)" of the Embassy of the PRC in the United Kingdom explains three items on a visa. The page is the embassy's own statement and is not a rule for all missions.
| Item on the visa | What the embassy page says |
|---|---|
| Validity ("enter before") | The period of validity specified in the visa means the valid period during which the visa holder may enter China. Unless the issuing authority specifies otherwise, the visa is valid from the date of issuance until Beijing time 24:00 on the expiring day. |
| Entries | The number of entries means the number of times the visa holder may enter China within the validity period of the entry. When the entries are used up, the visa is no longer valid. |
| Duration of stay | The duration of stay means the period of time during which the visa holder is allowed to stay in China after each entry. It begins from the next day of entry. |
The same page says that an overstay "violates" the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Regulations, and "could result in a fine or other penalty."
The Exit and Entry Administration Law (Article 29)
Article 29 of the Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China states that where the duration of stay specified in a visa held by a foreigner does not exceed 180 days, the holder may stay in China within the duration specified in the visa.
The same article sets the procedure for an extension. The visa holder shall file an application with the exit and entry administration of the public security organ under the local people's government at or above the county level in the place of stay, seven days before the duration specified in the visa expires. If the reasons are appropriate and sufficient, the extension shall be granted. If an extension is denied, the foreigner shall leave China on the expiry of the duration.
Article 29 also states that the accumulated length of extension shall not exceed the original duration of stay specified in the visa.
Related terms
- Validity period of the entry
- Number of entries
- Residence permit for study
- X1 and X2 visa
- Short-term stay (Article 36(4) of the Regulations)
- Long-term or resident stay (Article 36(5) of the Regulations)
Questions
What does "Duration of Each Stay" mean on a Chinese visa?
The UK embassy's FAQ (Part Seven, Q11) says the Duration of Each Stay "refers to the maximum number of days you are permitted to stay in China after each entry." The same answer says that a holder who needs to stay longer after arrival "will have to apply for an extension at the local public security authorities before your duration of stay runs out."
Sources
- Regulations of the People's Republic of China on Administration of the Entry and Exit of Foreigners (English text), National Immigration Administration
- Embassy of the PRC in the United Kingdom: Part One, Visa for China (Mainland only), Ministry of Foreign Affairs mission
- Embassy of the PRC in the United Kingdom: Part Seven, FAQs and Answers, Ministry of Foreign Affairs mission
- Exit and Entry Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (English text), National Immigration Administration
Checked 11 October 2026.
This entry is an unofficial summary. It is not legal or immigration advice and is not published by the bodies named. If the official text or the instructions of the body handling your case differ from this entry, the official text and those instructions prevail.