🇯🇵Japan

🇨🇳ChinaJP-CN

Japan to China visa requirements

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. Official NIA and Chinese Embassy in Japan pages checked on 2026-06-19 list Japan in the unilateral visa-exemption scheme through 24:00 on December 31, 2026.

VISA-FREETOURISMMULTIPLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-06-19

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.

Policy alertWatch this route for rule changesSave this passport and destination for email summaries and optional browser notifications.Subscribe →Japan (PR)Living in Japan as a permanent resident? See PR-specific guidance→

/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-06-19

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

9 items

Personalized checklist

Japan -> China · Unilateral visa-free entry

0 / 9 complete

Visa typeTravel date

Deadline reminderAdd a date before export

RequiredJapanese ordinary passport

Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route

Valid at least for the intended stay

RecommendedReturn or onward ticket

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Recommended by Chinese official FAQ

RequiredAccommodation booking

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel or host address for registration

RequiredInvitation or meeting proof

Signed or stamped letter with host contact details and visit arrangements

For business, exchange, or family/friend visits

ConditionalFunds and trip plan

Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances

Useful if border officers ask about purpose

RequiredRegistration plan

Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates

Hotel registration or police registration for private stays

ConditionalOfficial application form or online application

Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed

Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.

RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary

Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it

Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.

RecommendedTravel medical insurance

Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates

Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.

Official sourcesChina National Immigration Administration — Unilateral Visa Exemption List Chinese Embassy in Japan — Extension Notice (Chinese)Chinese Embassy in Japan — Extension Notice (Japanese)

Application link included: China National Immigration Administration — Unilateral Visa Exemption List

Open link

/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

Policy changelog

since 2024

2026-06-19

Reviewed by Claude Code

Second-pass review: re-verified the evidence chain against official sources; key facts confirmed and checked-date refreshed.

2026-06-19

Japan to China route re-verified

Rechecked NIA and Chinese Embassy sources; confirmed Japan remains listed for 30-day unilateral visa-free entry through 2026-12-31 and added checked-date.

2026-02-22

China visa-free FAQ updated

Chinese embassy FAQ lists Japan among countries eligible for up to 30 days visa-free entry and explains current limits, document type, port scope, and multiple-entry handling.

2025-11-07 · major

Policy extended through 2026

Chinese Embassy in Japan announced the unilateral visa-free arrangement for Japan and other listed countries is extended to 24:00 on December 31, 2026.

2024-11-30 · major

Japan added to unilateral visa-free list

Japan became part of China's ordinary-passport unilateral visa-free program.

/09 — The questions