🇯🇵JAPAN

🇨🇳CHINAJP-CN

Do Japan passport holders need a visa to visit China?

Q: Is there a limit on number of entries?

Chinese official FAQ says there is currently no restriction on number of entries or total days, but each stay must fit the visa-free purpose and duration.

Q: How is the 30 days counted?

Chinese guidance counts the duration from 00:00 on the day after entry.

Q: Do I need to register my address?

Yes. Hotels usually handle registration; private stays must be registered with local public security within 24 hours.

No, visa-free for up to 30 days for eligible ordinary passport travel. Japanese ordinary passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days for eligible purposes including tourism, business, family or friends visits, exchange, and transit. The current unilateral policy is listed as effective for Japan through December 31, 2026.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-26

For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.

Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-26

Visa type

Unilateral visa-free entry

Maximum stay

Up to 30 days

per entry

Entries

Multiple

from issue date

Visa fee

Free

consular fee only

Processing time

Instant at border

standard track

Validity

Policy through 2026-12-31

from issue date

/02 — The process

How to apply

/01

Confirm purpose fits

Tourism, business, family/friend visit, exchange, and transit are covered. Work, study, and journalism are not.

· eligible purpose· 30 days

/02

Prepare proof

Carry accommodation, return or onward ticket, invitation or meeting details if relevant, and enough funds.

· recommended· border check

/03

Enter through an open port

The visa waiver applies at open sea, road, and air ports unless a specific port rule says otherwise.

· open ports

/04

Hotels usually register foreign guests. Private stays require temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.

· 24 hours· public security

/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

6 items

Personalized checklist

0 / 6 complete

Japanese ordinary passport

Valid at least for the intended stay

Return or onward ticket

Recommended by Chinese official FAQ

Accommodation booking

Hotel or host address for registration

Invitation or meeting proof

For business, exchange, or family/friend visits

Funds and trip plan

Useful if border officers ask about purpose

Registration plan

Hotel registration or police registration for private stays

Track your progress · save & email a copy

/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate

Line itemAmountSource

Visa feeFreeVisa-free policy

Temporary residence registrationFreeHotel/police

Total estimateFree — Freeincl. all

/05 — The wait

Processing time

Pre-travel visa

Not required

For eligible ordinary passport travel within 30 days.

Border examination

On arrival

Border inspection still decides entry under Chinese law.

Stay over 30 days

Apply before travel

Travellers planning more than 30 days should obtain the correct visa in advance.

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency

/01

Purpose not covered

Work, study, news reporting, and similar activities still need the proper visa.

High

/02

Insufficient purpose proof

Border officers may ask for tickets, hotel bookings, or invitations.

Medium

/03

Wrong passport type

The unilateral policy is for ordinary passports, not temporary or emergency travel documents.

Medium

/04

Overstay or registration issue

Staying beyond 30 days or missing accommodation registration can affect future entries.

Medium

/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01

Immigration

Use the foreign visitor lanes, keep hotel or invitation details handy, and make sure your entry purpose matches the visa-free category.

/02

Registration

Hotels normally register foreign guests automatically. If staying in a private residence, complete temporary residence registration with local police within 24 hours.

/03

Connectivity

Install maps, translation, and payment apps before travel. Some foreign services may not work reliably without roaming or a compliant VPN.

/08 — The history