Expert: Tom Carter ~ Travel China Expert - 10/20/2010

Question
Hello,
I am traveling to China from the US next month for the first time.  I applied for a tourist visa (12-month with multiple entries).  My itinerary is to stay in country for 35 days, meaning that I will have to extend the visa at some point before my 30-days is up.  

I have heard that I can get this accomplished by going to the Public Security Bureau.  I have also heard that I would have to travel out of China to Hong Kong to extend the visa.  What is the correct way to accomplish this?

Thank you

Answer
China's visa laws have been dramatically revamped following the '08 Beijing Olympics and '10 Shanghai World Expo. Moreover, like all laws in China, the visa policy is in a constant state of flux. It also depends on your location at the time of renewal. You will have to check in with your local PSB office prior to the expiration date to ask if they offer emergency renewals. You can also contact one of the many unofficial visa agencies in the large cities such as Beijing and Shanghai to ask what they charge for visa renewals. Listings for these agencies can be found on any China expat website like www.theBeijinger.com and www.Urbanatomy.com.  But, yes, the usual way that a majority of foreigners in China extend their visas is to take a plane or train down to Hong Kong. Sorry I can't offer more specific information, but the fluid nature of China's government makes that almost impossible.