Travel Permit Expired? Renew in the US, or Get a One-Time Permit Out of China First

October 23, 2026 · Knowledge

Bottom line first: an expired Travel Permit is not void — don't panic, and don't try to fly on it. If you are in the US, renew it through the renewal channel. If you are in China and it expired there, first get a one-time Exit-Entry Permit from the local public security exit-entry department to leave China, then renew the Travel Permit at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad.

1. In the US: an expired permit still goes through renewal

A Travel Permit is valid for only 2 years, and renewal can start once less than 6 months remain — there is no need to wait until it expires. If it has already expired, you do not restart the first-issuance process; you renew:

The document list in the app governs; it generally includes the old Travel Permit data page and 48mm×33mm white-background photos, plus guardian ID and proof of guardianship for applicants under 16.

2. In China with an expired permit: get a one-time permit out first

If you are in China and the Travel Permit expired there, do it in two steps: first apply to the local public security exit-entry department for a one-time Exit-Entry Permit to leave China; after leaving, apply at a Chinese embassy or consulate abroad for a new Travel Permit. Don't wait in China, and don't test an expired document at the airport.

3. Three things not to do

• Don't check in or try to enter on an expired Travel Permit. An expired document is not a valid travel document; discovering that at the airport costs far more in rebooking and delays.
• Don't assume expiry means redoing nationality determination from scratch. In the US, the expired case follows the renewal channel; follow the app's list rather than adding documents on your own.
• Don't leave it until the day before departure. The longer it has been expired, the more the explanation matters, and verification can push past your travel date. Start the day you notice it.

4. How we can help

• Travel Permit renewal: form-filing guidance, document checklist review, and manual pre-review — including the expiry explanation and photos, the points most likely to bounce back
• Plan by situation: whether you are in the US or in China, how long it has been expired, and whether the child is under 16 all change the documents and the order

Not sure which case you are in? Contact us with where you are and how long the permit has been expired, and we'll map out the order — consultation is free. For the latest official rules, see the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles.