To renew a visa, you have to have a valid unexpired visa in hand. Otherwise, you would not be renewing for a visa, but instead applying for a visa. If granted in Shanghai, a tourist (L) visa can only be renewed twice for 30 days each, allowing you 90 days in the country total. If granted in the U.S., it is possible to get a 60 days renewal, while some countries do not allow the renewal of Chinese visas. Please contact your local embassy or consulate to find out for sure.

• Step 2

  To renew a China visa, you will need your passport, 1 photo sized photo, and the a photocopy of the pink registration you got at the police station when you entered China. At the office, be prepared to wait several hours.

• Step 3

  Be prepared to wait 3 to 7 days for the processing of your renewal. In China, this may entail making travel accommodation to, from, and in Hong Kong or Shanghai. The wait at pick-up should not be as long--most likely 30 minutes to an hour. At the Shanghai office, there is the option of picking up the visa in person or having it delivered to your home or office for a fee.

• Step 4

  If renewing in Hong Kong or Shanghai, when bring your renewal forms to the offices, also bring an extra photo. With this, they will provide an official temporary passport for traveling the week without your passport.

• Step 5

  It is best to also bring any proof of travel accommodations for your trip, especially your flight info. They want to know that you don't plan to stay beyond the time limit you are allowed.