I got a tourist visa with 2 entries at the embassy in Beijing. I am the holder of a Belgian passport.

At the embassy I was told to - my surprise - that my visa is good for two stays of maximum 30 days.

So I couldn't just stay for 60 days and not use my 2nd entry???? Is this correct? I thought I would have 60 days from the date of first entry. My 2nd entry being an option and not an obligation.

And what about an extention? Can I apply for an extension of my visa if I didn't use my 2nd entry?

I've heard I can only do this after the 'enter before date' because after this date, my 2nd entry is no longer valid.

You were told wrong - Chinese passports only get 30 days - you will get the normal 60 days and you can extend (usually) 30 days (although some without tickets out to show have only obtained 7 days recently). You must make your second entry while the visa is still valid. You would also be able to extend the second entry.

You were told wrong - Chinese passports only get 30 days - you will get the normal 60 days and you can extend (usually) 30 days (although some without tickets out to show have only obtained 7 days recently). You must make your second entry while the visa is still valid. You would also be able to extend the second entry.

Thanks for your reply.

So I can stay for 60 days without using my 2nd entry.

What about the extension? Do I need to use my 2nd entry before I can ask for an extension?

If the answer is yes, can I also just wait until the 2nd entry becomes invalid, by waiting until the 'enter before-date' has expired, and then ask for an extension?

You can extend on one or both entries.

Thanks for your reply.

So I can stay for 60 days without using my 2nd entry.

What about the extension? Do I need to use my 2nd entry before I can ask for an extension?

If the answer is yes, can I also just wait until the 2nd entry becomes invalid, by waiting until the 'enter before-date' has expired, and then ask for an extension?

You can extend either one or both of the entries. They are not tied together as far as extending them. Just remember that you need to make your second entry before the 'enter-before-date' on the visa even if that means that you don't stay for the full amount of time allowed from your first entry.