China has always been a popular travel destination for Americans. Those with a long-term China visa on a soon-to-expire passport may wonder: if I renew my passport, will the visa still be valid? Do I need a new visa to travel to China? Learn about the latest Chinese visa policy and how to travel with it in this article.
Will My China Visa Transfer to My Renewed Passport?
For US citizens with long-term multi-entry visas for China, when renewing a passport, one of the most asked questions is: will my China visa transfer to my renewed passport?
According to China’s visa policy, a Chinese visa cannot be transferred to a new passport. The visa is not a separate, transferable document. It is specifically issued for a particular passport.
But that does not mean you can’t use this visa anymore. Suppose your previous passport contains a valid China visa. In that case, you may use it alongside your renewed passport for travel to China on the premise that both passports bear the same name, sex, date of birth, and nationality, and your purpose to visit China is the same as permitted by your visa. Therefore, when renewing your passport, ensure you will get your old passport back after renewal.
When Can I Travel to China without Transferring My China Visa?
If there are any personal information changes in your new passport, you can’t travel with the Chinese visa on your old passport anymore. That being said, there are two circumstances in which you can enter China visa-free for tourism for a limited time.
Visa-free transit
China’s latest visa-free transit policy allows citizens from 54 eligible countries, including the US, for a visa-free stay in permitted regions of mainland China for up to 10 days before transiting to another country, starting December 17, 2024. With a US passport valid for at least three months and an onward ticket to a third country, you can now travel to China and stay for 10 days at the top without a prior visa.
Visit to Hong Kong, Macao, and Hainan
Regions of China including Hainan Province, Hong Kong SAR, and Macao SAR generally have an even more open visa-free policy. US passport holders can travel to the following three regions visa-free for a limited time:
- Hong Kong: up to 90 days;
- Macao: up to 30 days;
- Hainan: up to 30 days (for individual tourists) or 144 hours (for tour groups from Hong Kong or Macao).
Is a Valid China Visa Still Valid in an Expired USA Passport?
As mentioned above, so long as the personal data in your new passport are the same as in your expired one, your Chinese visa will remain valid in your expired passport when you travel with both of your old and new passports.
How to Travel to China with a Renewed Passport
To travel to China with a renewed passport, you have two options:
- Use your old passport with a valid Chinese visa:
If your previous passport contains a valid Chinese visa and the personal information on both passports matches, you can use both passports together to enter China. You need to carry both your old and new passports and present them to the Chinese immigration officer upon arrival.
- Apply for a new Chinese visa:
If you do not have a valid Chinese visa in your previous passport or the personal information on your renewed passport has changed, you will need to apply for a new Chinese visa for the renewed passport.
When You Might Need a New China Visa for the Renewed Passport
You will generally need to apply for a new Chinese visa for a renewed passport if:
- Your old passport does not contain a valid Chinese visa: If you have already used up the previous visa or it has expired, you will need a new one in your renewed passport.
- Your personal information has changed: If your name, date of birth, or gender has changed on a renewed passport, you will need to apply for a new visa.
- The visa type is no longer suitable: If your travel purpose or intended length of stay has changed, you will need a different Chinese visa. For example, if you previously had a tourist visa but plan to study in China now, you will need a student visa.
How to Apply for a New China Visa for Your Renewed Passport
If your personal information has changed or your old passport does not have a valid Chinese visa, you will need to apply for a new Chinese visa. Here’s how to do it in the US:
Determine the appropriate visa type
The type of visa you need depends on your purpose of travel to China (tourism, business, study, etc.).
Gather the necessary documents
- renewed passport
- completed visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized or China visa photos
- Supporting documents depending on the visa type (e.g., hotel bookings, invitation letter, school admission letter).
Schedule an appointment
Make an appointment online with a Chinese Embassy or Consulate near you.
Submit your application
Visit the Chinese Embassy or Consulate on the scheduled date with all the required documents. Submit your application and pay the visa fees.
Collect your passport
Once your visa application is processed, you will be notified to collect your passport with the Chinese visa attached in person at the embassy or consulate.
FAQs
Can I enter China on the day my visa expires?
Yes. You may enter China on the final day of validity right up to midnight Beijing Time, so long as the entries granted on the visa have not been used up.
Can you still use your old passport before the new one comes in?
Yes. The process of renewing your passport doesn’t immediately invalidate your existing one. While waiting for the new one, you can continue to use your old passport if it is valid.
What if I lost my old passport with a Chinese visa?
In this case, you should apply for a new visa for your new passport to travel to China.
Can I travel with an old visa and a new passport?
No. You can’t travel with an expired visa, despite the status of your passport.
What happens to my China visa when I renew my passport?
If the China visa on your old passport is still valid, it will remain valid and can be used along with your new passport when traveling to China on the premise that there are no personal information changes on the new passport.
Conclusion
With a more relaxed and open Chinese visa policy, travel to China is now easier than ever for US travelers. You can either use your valid Chinese visa on your old passport to enter China or pay a visa-free visit to specific regions of China if your travel plans meet the requirements. Embark on your journey to this fascinating country and experience all it has to offer!
Dolores Xiao