Enter your country and the date you fly out, and it tells you the latest day to apply for a visa, renew a passport, or book transit-free entry. Uses current 2026 policy.
How It Works
- Select Your Country: Different countries have different visa-free durations (15, 30, or 10 days depending on the agreement).
- Day of Arrival: You land on Day 1. This day doesn't count toward your visa duration.
- Clock Starts: At 00:00 on Day 2 (next day), your timer officially starts.
- You Must Leave: Before midnight on your last day, you must have left China.
Calculate Your Deadline
Quick Examples
USA
10 days
10-Day Transit (240 hours)
Arrival
Jan 1, 10:00
Deadline
Jan 12, 12:00 AM
Japan
15 days
15-Day Visa-Free
Jan 15, 14:00
Jan 31, 12:00 AM
France
30 days
30-Day Visa-Free
Jan 20, 08:30
Feb 20, 12:00 AM
You're Protected
Now you know exactly when you must leave China based on your country's visa agreement. Add this to your calendar, set a reminder, and enjoy your stay!
Departure Day Checklist
Don't just calculate your deadline — prepare for departure properly. Here's what to do on your last day in China:
1. Check out of hotel by noon
Most hotels check out at 12:00 PM. Ask if you can store luggage (寄存行李) for free until you leave for the airport. Almost all hotels offer this.
2. Arrive at airport 3 hours early
Chinese airports are huge and security lines can be long. International flights require extra processing time. Shanghai PVG and Beijing PKX are particularly large — budget extra time.
3. Get your tax refund (if applicable)
If you spent ¥500+ at a single tax-free store, you can claim 11% VAT refund. Look for the "Tax Refund" (退税) counter BEFORE going through security. Bring receipts, passport, and the purchased items.
4. Use remaining RMB
Spend leftover RMB at airport shops or convert back to your currency (exchange counters are after security). Better yet: use Alipay to drain your balance at airport convenience stores. Small amounts of RMB (under ¥500) aren't worth exchanging due to fees.
5. Clear customs declaration
Fill out the customs form (usually digital now via WeChat mini-program). Declare if you're carrying over $5,000 USD equivalent in cash, or any antiques/artwork purchased.
6. Keep departure card
Immigration will stamp your passport at departure. Some countries require you to keep the departure card — don't throw it away until you're home.
What You Can't Take Out of China
Chinese customs is strict about certain items. Getting caught with prohibited items can mean confiscation, fines, or missed flights.
Prohibited
- Antiques over 100 years old (without export permit)
- More than ¥20,000 RMB in cash
- More than $5,000 USD equivalent (undeclared)
- Endangered animal products (ivory, certain traditional medicines)
- State secrets or classified materials
- Certain seeds, plants, or soil
Allowed
- Tea (unlimited for personal use)
- Packaged food and snacks
- Electronics purchased in China
- Souvenirs, clothing, accessories
- Alcohol: 2 bottles (1.5L total)
- Cigarettes: 400 sticks (2 cartons)
Tax Refund Guide
How to Get Your Tax Refund
- Shop at tax-free stores — look for the "Tax Free" (退税) logo or ask before purchasing
- Spend ¥500+ at one store in a single transaction to qualify
- Get the tax refund form (退税单) from the store before leaving
- At the airport: Go to Customs Inspection (海关) counter BEFORE checking bags
- Get customs stamp on your refund form (they may want to see the items)
- Claim your refund at the Tax Refund Service counter (after security)
Refund is typically 11% of the purchase price. You can choose cash (RMB or foreign currency) or credit card refund. Processing time: immediate for cash, 2-3 weeks for credit card.
Overstaying Consequences
This is not a joke. Overstaying your visa-free period has serious consequences:
Overstaying Penalties
- Fine: ¥500 per day of overstay (up to ¥10,000 maximum)
- Detention: Up to 10 days in administrative detention
- Deportation: Forced removal at your own expense
- Future ban: 1-5 year entry ban depending on severity
- Criminal record: Stays on your China immigration file permanently
If you realize you might overstay: Go to the nearest Exit-Entry Administration Bureau (出入境管理局) IMMEDIATELY. Explaining proactively is much better than being caught at the airport.