Japan to China tourist visa
Complete China tourist visa requirements, visa-free policy details, fees, processing times, and application tips for Japanese citizens. Updated December 2025.
- Visa
- China Visa-Free Entry
- Fee
- Free
- Processing time
- None required
- Length of stay
- Up to 30 days
Required documents
- Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date
- Visa Application Form — Complete the online visa application form on the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website
- Passport Photograph — Recent color photograph meeting Chinese visa specifications
- Round-Trip Flight Reservation — Confirmed round-trip flight bookings showing entry and exit from China
- Hotel Reservation — Proof of accommodation for your entire stay in China
- Fingerprint Collection — Biometric fingerprints captured at the visa application center
How to apply
- Complete the online application Visit — Complete the online application Visit the Chinese Visa Application Service Center website and register an account. 1 As of June 30, 2025, all applicants must complete the online form and upload required documents before visiting the center. 4
- Upload required documents Submit passport — Upload required documents Submit passport photos (bio page), your photograph, flight bookings, hotel reservations, and any additional supporting documents through the online system for preliminary review. 4
- Wait for online approval The — Wait for online approval The system will review your uploaded materials. Once approved, you’ll receive notification to proceed with in-person submission. Check for any requests for additional materials.
- Visit CVASC in person Bring — Visit CVASC in person Bring your printed Visa Application Certificate, original passport, and any additional documents requested. 4 The center is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, no appointment required.
- Provide biometrics Fingerprints are collected — Provide biometrics Fingerprints are collected at the center for applicants aged 14–70. 4 If you’ve provided fingerprints for a Chinese visa within the past 5 years, you may be exempt.
- Pay fees Payment accepted via — Pay fees Payment accepted via cash (Japanese yen), debit card, or credit card. 2 Fees vary by visa type and processing speed.
Common questions
- Do Japanese citizens need a visa to visit China?
- For short trips, no. Japan is among 38 countries whose citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. This policy is effective from November 30, 2024 until December 31, 2026. For stays longer than 30 days or purposes like work or study, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa.
- How long can I stay in China without a visa as a Japanese citizen?
- Japanese citizens can stay in China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives, or transit purposes. This applies to holders of ordinary Japanese passports. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an L (tourist) visa before departure.
- What documents do I need for visa-free entry to China?
- For visa-free entry, you need a valid ordinary Japanese passport with at least 6 months validity. Immigration officers may ask you to show supporting documents such as return flight tickets, hotel reservations, and proof of sufficient funds. It’s recommended to have these ready even though not strictly required.
- How much does a China tourist visa cost for Japanese citizens?
- For stays over 30 days requiring an L visa: single entry costs ¥7,250 plus ¥2,250 service charge (total ¥9,500). Double entry is ¥8,750 + ¥3,750 = ¥12,500. Six-month multiple entry is ¥9,500 + ¥4,500 = ¥14,000. One-year multiple entry is ¥12,500 + ¥7,500 = ¥20,000. Express and urgent processing add ¥6,000 and ¥9,000 respectively.
- How long does it take to get a China tourist visa from Japan?
- Regular processing takes 4–5 working days. Express processing (2–3 days) adds ¥6,000, and urgent same-day processing adds ¥9,000 but requires submission before 11:30 AM. During peak periods or holidays, processing may take 2–3 additional days.
- Where can I apply for a China visa in Japan?
- Apply at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Tokyo, located at the Ariake Frontier Building. The center operates Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. As of June 30, 2025, you must complete the online application form and upload documents before visiting the center in person.