The Short Answer
A Chinese visa in an old or expired passport can usually still be used, as long as the visa itself is still valid, your name, gender, date of birth and nationality have not changed, and your trip matches the visa type. You travel with both passports: the new valid passport and the old one with the visa.
When You Can Keep Using the Old Visa
- The Chinese visa has not expired and has entries left.
- Your new passport shows the same name, gender, date of birth and nationality as the old one.
- Your trip matches the visa type (for example, a tourist trip on an L visa).
The Chinese Embassy's FAQ says that in this case you don't need a new visa and should travel with both passports. The San Francisco Consulate says the same: if only your passport was renewed, the old visa may still be used along with the new passport. An expired U.S. passport with a valid Chinese visa can only be used together with a new valid U.S. passport with the same name, sex, date of birth and nationality.
When You Need a New Visa
- Your name, gender, date of birth or nationality changed.
- Your trip purpose is different from the visa type.
- The visa or the old passport is lost or damaged.
- The visa has less than 6 months of validity left.
The San Francisco Consulate notes that if your current visa is still valid for more than 6 months and otherwise usable, it will not issue a new one.
Applying While You Have a Valid Visa in an Old Passport
If you do apply for a new visa, the San Francisco Consulate lists the old passport containing a previous Chinese visa or residence permit that is still within validity among the documents to submit at the visa office. Other offices have similar rules, so send your old passport with your application if it contains a Chinese visa that has not expired, and keep it with you otherwise.
That is why our application form asks whether you have had a Chinese visa before and where it is. Mandy uses your answer to tell you whether to include the old passport.
Travel Tips
- Carry both passports together when you travel to China.
- Keep the old passport safe; if it is lost or damaged, the visa in it can no longer be used.
- Not sure whether your visa still works for this trip? Ask Mandy before you apply.
Let Us Handle the Visa Office for You
Apply online. Mandy replies within 1–2 hours with your mailing instructions, payment options and a document checklist.
Apply Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Chinese visa in my expired passport?
Usually yes, if the visa is still valid, your name, gender, date of birth and nationality are unchanged, and your trip matches the visa type. Travel with both the new passport and the old one containing the visa.
Do I need to send my old passport when applying for a new China visa?
If your old passport has a Chinese visa that is still valid, the San Francisco Consulate lists it among the documents to submit. Tell Mandy on the application form and she will confirm what to include.
Will the Consulate give me a new visa if my old one is still valid?
Not usually. The San Francisco Consulate says it will not issue a new visa if your current one is still valid for more than 6 months and otherwise usable, unless your personal details or trip purpose changed or the visa is lost or damaged.