1. Validity Period
The visa's entry validity period (“enter before”) refers to the period during which the visa holder may enter China.
Unless specified by the issuing authority, the visa becomes effective from the date of issuance and expires at 24:00 Beijing Time on the date of expiration. If there are still unused entries, the visa holder may enter China at any time before or on the expiration date.
2. Number of Entries
The number of entries (“entries”) refers to the number of times the visa holder may enter China during the visa's entry validity period.
A visa becomes invalid once all permitted entries have been used, or if its validity period has expired, even if some entries remain unused. If the holder needs to travel to China again, they must apply for a new visa.
If a visa holder attempts to enter China with an expired or invalid visa, entry will be refused.
3. Duration of Stay
The duration of stay (“duration of each stay”) refers to the period for which the visa holder is permitted to remain in China each time they enter the country.
The period is calculated starting from the day following the date of entry.
4. Residence Formalities
Foreigners entering China with D, J1, Q1, S1, or X1 visas are required to apply for a residence permit within 30 days from the date of entry.
5. How can foreign nationals apply for visas to enter the Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions?
According to the relevant provisions of the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR have the right to independently implement immigration and entry/exit controls.
The entry policies of Hong Kong and Macao are formulated independently by their respective governments. For specific requirements and procedures, please consult their official government websites.
Hong Kong SAR Immigration Department: www.immd.gov.hk
Enquiry telephone: 00852-2824-6111
Macao SAR Public Security Police Force: www.fsm.gov.mo
Enquiry telephone: 00853-2872-5488