China entry in 2026 for Japanese passports

Japan has an active visa-free arrangement with China. Verify the current effective period and stay limits with your local Chinese mission before every trip — terms and scope can be updated: MFA portal, visa-free FAQ.

Do not rely on older announcements or social media for current policy. Use the Chinese Embassy in Japan or the MFA official English page as your source of truth.

When visa-free terms apply, Japanese ordinary passport holders can enter for business, tourism, family and friend visits, exchange, and transit within the covered stay window.

Even without a visa sticker, carry itinerary documents, accommodation confirmation, and return or onward travel evidence. Airlines may ask at check-in.

If your specific trip does not fit visa-free conditions, evaluate 240-hour transit only when your route is unambiguously A-China-B with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country or region and a compliant entry port.

Confirm current transit boundaries: NIA transit notice.

If visa-free terms do not apply or your stay is longer, apply for a regular visa before departure via the official COVA portal: COVA portal.

Follow the instructions for your local Chinese mission. For Japan-based applicants, use the Chinese Embassy in Japan's guidance pages.

NIA supports online arrival-card submission before landing and airport-side completion via kiosk or paper: arrival-card notice.

Hotels register guests directly. Private accommodation stays require local public security registration within 24 hours: Article 39 guidance.

MFA English portal: source.

Chinese Embassy in the U.S. visa-free FAQ: source.

NIA transit and arrival-card notice: source.