Great news for Japanese travelers: China’s visa-free policy allows you to visit for up to 30 days without applying for a visa.3 This policy, effective from November 30, 2024 and extended until December 31, 2026, covers tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives, and transit purposes.5 For longer stays or multiple entries, you’ll need to apply for an L (tourist) visa through the Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Tokyo.1

Visa-Free Entry: Quick Guide

If your trip to China is 30 days or less, you can enter visa-free with just your passport. Here’s what to expect:

At the airport: Present your valid Japanese passport at immigration. Officers may ask about your travel purpose, accommodation, and return plans. Having supporting documents readily available speeds up processing.3

Documents to carry (recommended but not required for visa-free entry):

• Return or onward flight ticket
• Hotel reservation confirmations
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Travel itinerary

Important limitations: Visa-free entry covers tourism, business, visiting friends and relatives, and transit only.3 If you plan to work, study, or engage in journalism, you must apply for the appropriate visa before arrival.

Application Process (For Stays Over 30 Days)

If you need more than 30 days in China, follow these steps to obtain an L visa:

1. 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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Pay fees
   Payment accepted via cash (Japanese yen), debit card, or credit card.2 Fees vary by visa type and processing speed.

7. Track your application
   Monitor your application status online. Regular processing takes 4-5 working days.2

8. Collect your passport
   Return to the center to pick up your passport with the visa sticker, or opt for courier delivery.

Fees

Express processing (2-3 working days): Add ¥6,0002
Urgent processing (same day): Add ¥9,000, must submit before 11:30 AM2

All fees are non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.2 Payments are tax-exempt and can be made in cash, by debit card, or credit card.

What You Need to Prove

For L visa applications, consular officers evaluate:

Genuine tourism purpose: Your itinerary, hotel bookings, and application details should clearly demonstrate tourism intent.1 Be specific about the cities you’ll visit and activities you have planned.

Complete travel arrangements: Flight reservations and accommodation bookings covering your entire stay are essential.4 For longer trips, detailed itineraries help demonstrate a well-planned visit.

Valid documentation: All documents must be current, accurate, and consistent.4 Passport numbers, dates, and personal information must match exactly across all materials.

Financial capability: While not always formally required, being prepared to demonstrate sufficient funds for your trip strengthens your application.

Processing Times

The Chinese Visa Application Service Center in Tokyo offers three processing speeds:

Important notes:

• Urgent same-day processing requires submission before 11:30 AM2
• Processing times may extend by 2-3 days during Chinese holidays and peak travel seasons
• A surge in applications in May 2025 caused delays of up to 2-3 additional working days6

Recommended timing: Apply at least 2 weeks before your planned travel date. During peak seasons (Chinese New Year, Golden Week, summer holidays), apply 3-4 weeks in advance.

After Your Visa is Approved

Your visa sticker displays key information:

• Validity period: Dates during which you can enter China
• Duration of stay: Maximum days per visit (typically 30 days for L visas)
• Number of entries: Single, double, or multiple
• Visa category: L (tourism)

At Chinese immigration: Officers may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and return plans. Carry printed copies of hotel bookings, return flight ticket, and your itinerary.

Registration requirement: Within 24 hours of arrival, you must register with local police if staying at a private residence.3 Hotels handle this automatically for their guests.

Overstaying penalties: Staying beyond your permitted duration results in fines (¥500 per day up to ¥10,000), potential detention, and future entry bans.3 If you need to extend, apply at the local Public Security Bureau before your visa expires.

If Your Visa is Refused

Visa rejections for Japanese applicants are uncommon, with an estimated 95% approval rate. When rejections occur, they’re typically due to:

• Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
• Photo specification failures
• Passport validity issues
• Missing travel bookings

What to do if refused:

1. Review the refusal notice: Identify the specific reasons cited for rejection.

2. Correct the issues: Address each problem identified. If documentation was incomplete, gather the missing materials.

3. Reapply: There’s no mandatory waiting period. You can submit a new application immediately with corrected documentation.

4. Seek assistance: If rejected multiple times, consider consulting with a visa agency or immigration professional.

The visa fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected.2 Take time to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submitting to avoid unnecessary costs and delays.