Questions and Answers

I’ll be flying into Shanghai on Friday with a valid Chinese visa (10 year multi-entry, expires in 2026) in an expired passport (expired 2017) and a valid passport (expires 2028). I know that I’m allowed to continue using my Chinese visa because none of my personal information on my visa has changed and it all matches my current passport, but I’m feeling a bit nervous about trying to explain my predicament to immigration. I’m especially worried because I don’t speak super great Mandarin and am afraid they won’t be able to understand me and will think that I can’t use my visa because it is in an expired passport. Does anybody have any experience with this situation? Does anyone know if this occurs often? Any tips in general?

I’ve got to think happens almost every day. It’s going to be a rare thing to have a new passport and immediately get a Chinese visa, so almost everyone will have a visa that outlasts their passport. I wouldn’t worry.

You’ll be fine.

I’m in the same boat and I had zero issues entering/exiting China with a valid passport and a valid visa in the expired passport a month ago, as well as earlier this year. Just remember to present both passports along with the arrival/departure cards

[USER=29]@David W[/USER] You were totally right – immigration officer didn’t even look fazed.