Q: I entered China on Sept 1 with a single-entry M visa valid for 90 days. I plan to stay until mid-November, but wish to return to Germany during the National Day holiday (Oct 1-8). Can I change my single-entry visa to a multiple-entry one?

A: To change a single-entry M visa to a multiple-entry visa, you must provide proof of a reasonable and necessary purpose for leaving and re-entering China. If you have an inviting unit in China, they must issue a formal statement explaining the circumstances.

The Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau will then review your justification along with the inviting unit's credentials to determine whether you meet the requirements.

Alternatively, you may consider using the 30-day visa-free entry policy available to ordinary German passport holders to re-enter China.

Source: Shanghai Exit-Entry Administration Bureau