China Extends Visa-Free Policy for Japanese Citizens

The policy will be extended to the end of 2026. After the extension, Japanese citizens visiting China for business, tourism, and other purposes can stay for up to 30 days visa-free. This policy also applies to more than 40 countries, including France, Germany, South Korea, and Australia.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on November 3 that it will extend the short-term visa-free policy for Japanese citizens and others visiting China to the end of 2026. This policy targets foreigners staying for no more than 30 days after entry and applies to more than 40 countries, including France, Germany, South Korea, and Australia.

At a press conference on November 3, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that this move aims to “expand high-level opening-up and continuously facilitate people-to-people exchanges between China and foreign countries.” She also announced that from November 10 to the end of 2026, a visa-free policy will be implemented for Swedish citizens.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China suspended the short-term visa-free policy for Japanese citizens and others in March 2020, and then reinstated it in November 2024, with the original validity period ending at the end of 2025. After the extension, Japanese citizens visiting China for business, tourism, or other purposes will be able to stay for up to 30 days without a visa.