Under normal circumstances, the visa of a foreign national will not be automatically cancelled upon expiration in China. However, they may face a series of restrictions and subsequent processing requirements:
Situations after visa expiration
- Overstay restrictions: If a foreign national fails to leave the country in time or complete legal procedures such as visa extension after the visa expires, they will be considered as overstaying. In China, overstaying is an illegal act and may result in penalties such as fines and warnings. In severe cases, detention or deportation may be imposed.
- Subsequent processing requirements: After the visa expires, foreign nationals need to take appropriate actions based on their individual circumstances. If they need to continue staying in China, they should apply for visa extension, replacement, or reissuance at the local public security bureau’s entry and exit administration department before the visa expires. If they no longer need to stay in China, they should leave the country promptly.
Special situations
- Specific visa types: Certain special types of visas may have different regulations. For example, some short-term visit visas may allow a grace period after expiration. However, this does not mean automatic cancellation of the visa; it simply permits the foreign national to arrange for departure within the grace period.
