How long should be the remaining validity of my passport when I apply for a China visa?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date you plan to enter China; this is a mandatory requirement set by Chinese immigration authorities.

Additionally, if your passport is due to expire within one year of your visa application, the Chinese consulate may issue you a visa with a reduced validity period—such as a single-entry or short-term visa—regardless of whether you requested a longer-term, multiple-entry visa.

To maximize the chances of receiving the full visa validity period (e.g., up to 10 years for U.S. citizens), it’s strongly recommended to apply using a passport with more than one year of remaining validity.