When does the China visa start?

When Does a China Visa Start?

1. Visa Issuance vs. Validity Start Date
   • The start of the visa is defined by the “Issue Date” and the “Enter Before” date printed on the visa.

   • The visa is typically valid for entry from the date it is issued. This means the visa becomes active on the date of issue.

     
     
2. “Enter Before” Date
   • This is the last day you are allowed to enter China using the visa.

   • For example, if your visa is issued on May 1st with a validity of 90 days, the “Enter Before” date would be July 30th.

     
     
3. Duration of Stay
   • This is separate from the visa's validity period.
   • The visa will also state how long you can stay after each entry (e.g., 30, 60, or 90 days).
   • This countdown starts from the day you enter China, not the issue date.

Example

If your visa says:

• Issue Date: May 1, 2025
• Enter Before: August 1, 2025

• Duration of Each Stay: 30 days

  
  

You can enter China any time from May 1 to August 1, 2025, and stay up to 30 days from the date of your arrival.

Key Tips

• Check the visa sticker carefully. The three key dates/terms are:
  • Issue Date
  • Enter Before
  • Duration of Each Stay
• Entry must occur before the “Enter Before” date, or the visa becomes invalid.

• Staying past the allowed duration of stay can lead to penalties or entry bans.