Chinese Visa Policy and Requirements for Citizens of Japan

I. Chinese Embassy/Consulates in Japan

• Embassy in Tokyo:
  • Address: 3-4-33 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
  • Website: http://jp.chinese-embassy.gov.cn
• Consulates-General: Osaka, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Nagoya (see official websites for details).

II. Visa Policy for Japanese Citizens (2024–2025)

• Eligibility: Ordinary passport holders for tourism, business, 探亲访友，or transit (≤30 days).
• Validity: Indefinite (policy extended by China in November 2024).
• Conditions:
  • Passport validity ≥6 months.
  • Proof of travel: Round-trip ticket, hotel booking/invitation.
  • Sufficient financial resources (bank statement/relevant proof).
  • Health insurance recommended (not mandatory).

• Work (Z Visa): Work permit + invitation letter.
• Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201 form.
• Family Visit (Q Visa): Kinship proof (e.g., birth/marriage certificate).
• Transit (G Visa):
  • 24-hour visa-free transit (all airports except Urumqi, Fuzhou, Yanji).
  • 72-hour transit (20 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.).
  • 144-hour transit (10 cities: Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, etc.).

III. Visa Requirements (Non-Exempt Cases)

• Passport (valid ≥6 months, ≥2 blank pages).
• Passport photo (3.5×4.5cm, white background).
• Online application (COVA system: https://cova.mfa.gov.cn).
• Travel itinerary (flight/hotel bookings).
• Financial proof (bank statement).

• Business (M Visa): Invitation from Chinese entity.
• Work (Z Visa): Work permit + company registration.
• Study (X Visa): Admission letter + JW201.
• Family (Q Visa): Kinship certificate + inviter’s ID.

IV. Transit Visa-Free Policies

• 24-Hour Visa-Free Transit: All airports except Urumqi, Fuzhou, Yanji (no domestic travel).
• 72-Hour Transit (20 Cities): Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc.
  • Conditions: Single stop, same airport entry/exit (air only).
• 144-Hour Transit (10 Cities): Shanghai (Pudong/Hongqiao), Nanjing, Hangzhou, etc.
  • Conditions: Valid onward ticket to third country/region (including 港澳台).

V. Application Process (Non-Exempt Visas)

• Online: Use COVA system → Schedule appointment via AVAS.
• In-Person: Submit to Chinese Embassy/Consulate in Japan or authorized visa centers (e.g., VFS Global).
• Processing Time: 4–7 business days (standard).
• Fees: Vary by visa type (e.g., tourist: ~JPY 15,000; business: ~JPY 18,000).

VI. Key Travel Notes

• Residence Registration: Non-hotel stays >24 hours? Register with local police.
• Health Requirements: No COVID-19 restrictions (2025 policy).
• Customs: Declare cash >¥20,000 or equivalent; prohibited items (drugs, ivory).
• Security: Monitor China’s travel advisories (外交部公告).

VII. Emergency Contacts

• China (Global Consular Protection): +86-10-12308.
• Chinese Embassy in Tokyo: +81-3-3403-3388.
• Japan Emergency: Police 110 | Ambulance 119.

VIII. Official Resources

• China Visa (Japan):
  • COVA System | 中国领事服务网 (日本).
• Transit Policy: 国家移民管理局 (144/72-hour transit cities list).