What Happens If You Overstay in China? Fines and Bans (2026)

Short answer: Overstaying is an offence under the Exit and Entry Administration Law. Expect a warning or a fine of RMB 500 per day (usually capped at RMB 10,000); serious cases bring 5–15 days’ detention, deportation and a re-entry ban. You cannot leave until the police have settled the case, so even a short overstay can delay your flight.

What the penalties are

Official pages say overstayers will be handled “according to laws and regulations” and do not list amounts. The figures below are approximate, so confirm the exact amount with the local Exit-Entry office.

Consequence	What to expect
Warning	Common for a very short overstay
Fine	RMB 500 per day, usually capped at RMB 10,000 (a lower RMB 5,000 cap is also cited; plan for the higher figure)
Detention	5–15 days in serious cases
Deportation	Possible if the violation is serious but not a crime
Re-entry ban	Up to 10 years after deportation under the law (a 5-year ban is also cited; plan for the longer one)
Exit block	You cannot leave until you have dealt with the police and been given permission to exit

The consulate of Belgium warns that getting a new exit permission from the local Exit-Entry office can take up to 20 working days. Treat that as a worst case, not a guarantee.

Visa-free visitors: the National Immigration Administration (NIA) says everyone who entered visa-free must leave before the visa-free period ends. Stays are limited to 30 days, and 90 days in total within any 180 days. Time on a visa or residence permit does not count toward the 90 days.

What to do if you are close to the limit

1. Check your exact last day. Look at the entry stamp or your arrival record, and count with the visa-free checker. Read the rules in visa-free entry.
2. Leave early if you can. Book your departure a day or two before the limit, not on the last day.
3. If you really need more time (the NIA mentions emergencies or force majeure), apply for a stay permit at the Exit-Entry Administration of the local public security bureau before the visa-free period ends. For a visa, ask for an extension through the NIA’s application guide. It says to file 7 days before your stay expires.
4. Questions about your case: call the NIA hotline 12367, or visit en.nia.gov.cn.

If you have already overstayed

• Do not try to leave quietly. Go to the local Exit-Entry office, bring your passport and explain what happened.
• Expect to pay any fine and wait for permission to exit. Keep your flight changeable.
• Have a working phone, eSIM and a way to pay, such as Alipay with a foreign card. See the trip checklist for what else to keep ready.

Common mistakes

• Counting the wrong day. The day you arrive counts as day one, and the period is counted from your latest entry. Confirm with the checker.
• Mixing up visa and visa-free rules. A visa’s “duration of stay” is a separate limit from its validity date.
• Booking a late-night flight on the last day. A delay can push you over.
• Assuming a short overstay is free. The fine runs per day and you still need exit clearance.

FAQ

How much is the fine for overstaying in China?

The fine is RMB 500 per day, usually capped at RMB 10,000. Official pages give no amount, so confirm it with the local Exit-Entry office.

Can I be banned from China after an overstay?

Yes, if you are deported. The law says deported foreigners cannot enter for 10 years. A 5-year ban is also cited, so ask the Exit-Entry office what applies to you. A short overstay with only a fine does not usually mean a ban, but this is decided case by case.

Can I extend my visa-free stay?

Only in an emergency or force majeure. Apply for a stay permit at the local Exit-Entry office before the visa-free period ends. Do not wait until the last day.

Next steps for your trip

Official sources: en.nia.gov.cn · s.nia.gov.cn. Rules change; check before you travel.