Warden Message: Reminder to Check Documents

The American Embassy in Beijing would like to remind all American Citizens to carry valid identification at all times and to ensure that all immigration documents, such as Chinese visas, are in order. 

The Embassy has learned that in preparation for the Olympics, the Entry and Exit Administration Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security seeks to ensure that foreigners in Beijing are in possession of valid documentation.

Please be advised that current regulations state that the penalty for overstaying a visa is 500 RMB per day of overstay, not to exceed 5000 RMB and/or detention.  The period of detention can range from 5-30 days depending on the severity of the violation.  Detention may be longer than 30 days in the case that the authorities believe that the foreigner was involved in criminal activity. The Embassy is aware of several recent detentions of American citizens relating to visa overstays and violating the terms of their visas (i.e. working while on a visitor’s visa).

Americans in China, who are not staying at hotels, including Americans who are staying with friends or relatives, must register with local police as soon as they arrive. Otherwise, they may be fined up to 500 RMB per day.

For more information, please consult with you local Public Security Bureau’s Entry and Exit office or logon to Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau’s English language website at www.bjgaj.gov.cn.

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in China are reminded to register with the U.S. Embassy or closest U.S. Consulate by entering your travel itinerary and contact information at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp. In case of difficulties registering online, please contact the closest U.S, Embassy or Consulate.

U.S. Embassy Beijing:   No. 2 Xiu Shui Dong Jie, Chaoyang District.  tel: 86-10-6532-3431 Email: amcitbeijing@state.gov. Embassy’s website:  beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn. 

U.S. Consulate General Chengdu:  Number 4, Lingshiguan Road, Section 4, Renmin Nanlu, Chengdu 610041, tel. 86-28-8558-3992 Email: consularchengdu@state.gov. 

U.S. Consulate General Guangzhou:   The Consular Section is located at 5th Floor, Tianyu Garden (II phase), 136-146 Lin He Zhong Lu, Tianhe District,  tel. (86-20) 8518-7605; Email: GuangzhouACS@state.gov. 

U.S. Consulate General Shanghai:  The Consular Section is located in the Westgate Mall, 8^th Floor, 1038 Nanjing Xi Lu, Shanghai 200031; tel. (86-21) 3217-4650, Email:  shanghaiacs@state.gov. 

U.S. Consulate General Shenyang:  No. 52, 14^th

Wei Road

, Heping District, Shenyang 110003; tel. (86-24) 2322-2374, Email ShenyangACS@state.gov