Visa and stay-days countdown for China
Work out exactly how many days you have left before your Chinese visa or stay expires — and see the warning checkpoints where you should start acting.
| Status | — |
| Relevant date | — |
The checkpoints that matter
- 30 days left — if you need to extend, start researching now. Gather documents, check the extension guide, book your exit-entry appointment.
- 15 days left — apply for the extension now. In Shanghai, apply at the exit-entry administration well before expiry; do not cut it fine.
- 7 days left — red zone. If you're leaving, book your ticket now. Overstaying even one day risks a fine (¥500/day in many cases) and, for serious overstays, detention or a re-entry ban.
- 0 days — you must leave China (or have a valid extension approved) before this date, or change your status legally.
Overstay penalties in China can range from a warning and daily fines (typically ¥500–1000/day) to short detention and a ban from re-entering for years, depending on how long you overstay. It is one of the few mistakes that can permanently complicate your China life. Set the countdown, and act early.
Questions & answers
What's the difference between "valid until" and "days per entry"?
Every Chinese visa has two dates that matter: the validity period (the sticker shows "Enter Before", e.g. 2027-03-01 — you must enter China by then) and the duration of stay (e.g. 30 days — the number of days you may stay per entry, counted from each entry). Both must be respected; your actual deadline is whichever comes first after you enter.
Does the 30-day stay reset when I leave and re-enter?
Yes, for multiple-entry visas. Each entry starts a fresh stay window of the allowed duration. But the visa's overall validity still applies — you can't enter after the "Enter Before" date.
How long can a stay extension be?
Exit-entry offices commonly approve stay extensions of 30–60 days at a time (up to the visa type's limits), with a valid reason. Tourist stays are less flexible than family or business-related stays. See the extension guide.
Related: Extending your visa or stay in Shanghai · Work permit & residence permit · Hotline 12367