Question

Asked by William Aitchison from united kingdom | Feb. 05, 2020 21:11

About:Overstaying in China & Penalty

visa expiring

Hi, my 120 day stay limit on my China visa runs out in 2 weeks time, due to flight restrictions / travel and border bans I cannot get out of China to either go back to the UK or revalidate another 120 days on my passport. Will there be penalties when clearly it is not the individuals fault that the Coronavirus has shut down flights and borders.

Reply

Answers (8)

Answered by NP | Feb. 06, 2020 20:09

0 0 Reply

Hi William. I am in the same situation, 120 duration on the visa expires in one week. Did you get any information form anywhere?

0 0 Reply

Answered by NP | Feb. 06, 2020 21:42

0 0 Reply

Hi William.
My wife phoned the immigration authority in Shenzhen, the lady she spoke to said that currently they are not aware of a policy for visa overstays but it would be sensible to have a reasonable understanding at this time, however it is down to the individual immigration officer that you declare your overstay too, and they decide the penalty or flexibility. NP

0 0 Reply

Answered by John Doe | Feb. 07, 2020 07:29

0 0 Reply

Despite these circumstances you should not forget to dot all "i"s and cross all "t"s . Application for an extension is now routinely granted and both of you should consider doing that instead of overstaying which may be a problem for your future visits.

0 0 Reply

Answered by NP | Feb. 07, 2020 16:27

0 0 Reply

Thanks John, and I agree. I will register my situation with the local police and apply for a visa extension. NP

0 0 Reply

Answered by William Aitchison | Feb. 08, 2020 19:38

0 0 Reply

Hi NP, I was told by phone by the visa extension office which is currently closed due to the virus, there will be no penalty for an over stay as it’s China’s problem, just apply when the office returns to normality (March) for an visa extension which will be granted, but this will invalidate your visa, therefore when I eventually leave China a new visa will have to be applied for if I wish to return to China.

0 0 Reply

Answered by NP | Feb. 10, 2020 18:16

0 0 Reply

Thanks for the information William,
I will have to do the extension as you described, it's a real pain though because my actual visa expires in July, an di had no plans to go back to the UK until then. NP

0 0 Reply

Answered by John Doe | Feb. 11, 2020 17:18

0 0 Reply

Good luck to you both. Be sure to register with the FCO if you have not done so.

0 0 Reply

Answered by WA | Feb. 11, 2020 18:23

0 0 Reply

You are quite fortunate really your visa is expiring, I just got a five year visa 6 months ago and that is now going to be wiped out, but hey ho things could be a lot worse as long as you have your health and stay clear of this virus it’s a small price to pay.
Everyone stay safe and well that’s involved in this tragic time, and god bless those less fortunate.

0 0 Reply

See more answers...

Related Questions: