Expat's questions

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-10-19 10:06

I heard a foreigner will have his passport seized and be fined from 50-500 yuan if he registers his accommodation later at the neighborhood police station. Is it true? Please advise.

The law requires foreigners to report and register their accommodation with the local police within 24 hours of their arrival, or within 72 hours in rural areas.

Those who fail to report may be given a warning or fined up to 500 yuan.

Generally speaking, the neighborhood police are friendly people who are there to help.

If you apologize for reporting late, citing a stressful workload and too much traveling as reasons, they may just give you a reprimand and let you pass.

But since you'll have to register every time you have a new visa, don't forget to say hi to that nice Lao Wang or Xiao Li when you meet again in the neighborhood.

My visa has expired. If I'm going to pay the maximum fine of 5,000 yuan, can I stay as long as I like?

The fine for overstaying your visa is 500 yuan per day with the total sum of fine not exceeding 5,000 yuan.

But even if you're ready to pay the fine, this doesn't grant your unlimited stay.

The law says those who illegally stay in China may also be detained from three to 10 days, in lieu of the fine, and asked to leave within a specific time.

Besides, if your visa has expired for just a couple of days, the police may just give you a warning if you voluntarily renew your visa.

If possible, why don't you take the easy way out?

Do you have questions about Beijing's law and regulations? Do you want to make a complaint? Please send your questions to metrobeijing@chinadaily.com.cn