For families whose baby is born abroad—whether through surrogacy or natural birth—the Chinese Travel Document is essential for returning to China. However, many parents encounter issues such as expired travel documents, unclear renewal procedures, or even misinformation that delays travel plans.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common questions, renewal options, and misconceptions regarding the Chinese Travel Document for overseas-born babies, so you can avoid delays and prepare with peace of mind.
🔎What Is the Chinese Travel Document and Who Needs It?
The Chinese Travel Document (中国旅行证) is an official travel document issued by Chinese consulates abroad. It is typically required for:
- Babies born overseas to Chinese citizen parents
- Children who have not obtained foreign nationality or a foreign passport
- Children who are not yet eligible for a Chinese passport
For babies born through surrogacy in the United States, if the intended parents are Chinese citizens, a Chinese Travel Document is generally needed for the baby to return to China.
🔎How Long Is the Travel Document Valid? What If It’s Expired?
The Chinese Travel Document is usually valid for two years. Once expired, it cannot be used for international travel, and families must apply for a new document before the baby can leave the country.
🔎Can We Renew an Expired Chinese Travel Document?
Yes, but the process and location depend on where you are currently based:
1. Renewing in the United States
If the baby is still in the U.S., parents can renew or reapply for the travel document through the local Chinese consulate. Required documents typically include:
The original travel document (if available)
- U.S. birth certificate
- Parents’ passports and ID documents
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Completed application forms
2. Renewing in Mainland China
If the baby is already in China but the travel document has expired, not all local Entry-Exit offices will process renewals. In most cases, families are advised to travel to Hong Kong to reapply.
3. Renewing via Hong Kong
Many families whose babies are in Mainland China with expired documents opt to apply through the Chinese Visa Application Center in Hong Kong. This route is often accepted and relatively efficient, though both parents must usually accompany the child and apply in person.
Final Tips
- Plan early: The renewal process may take several weeks, especially during peak seasons.
- Double-check requirements: Each Chinese consulate or visa center may have slightly different documentation requirements.
- Bring both parents if possible: For babies born through surrogacy, many offices still require the legal parent(s) to appear in person with the child.
Need Help?
At Miracle Angels Resolution (MAR), we assist international families with birth certificates, U.S. passports, apostilles, Chinese Travel Documents, and more. Whether your baby was born through surrogacy or traditional means, our team can help ensure a smooth and timely document process.