What Was Announced
In December 2024, Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya announced in Beijing a major relaxation of Japan’s tourist visa policy for Chinese citizens.
The highlight is the introduction of a new “10-year multiple-entry tourist visa.”
What Is the 10-Year Visa?
This visa is mainly issued to wealthy Chinese individuals and their families.
It is valid for 10 years, during which the holder can visit Japan as many times as they like (multiple-entry visa).
However, each visit is limited to a maximum stay of 90 days and is for tourism purposes only. Employment is not permitted.
To obtain the visa, applicants must meet certain economic requirements, such as having a high income or significant assets. The specific financial thresholds have not been disclosed.
Other Relaxation Measures
For group tours, the maximum stay has been extended from 15 to 30 days.
Chinese citizens aged 65 or older no longer need to submit employment certificates when applying for a visa.
Why Was This Implemented?
The aim is to further promote economic, human, and cultural exchanges between Japan and China.
It is also a reciprocal response to China resuming short-term visa exemptions for Japanese citizens.
By encouraging long-term visits by wealthy individuals, Japan hopes to boost domestic consumption and attract tourists to regional areas.
Points to Note
This does not mean one can stay for 10 years continuously; rather, it is a visa that allows multiple visits over 10 years, with each stay limited to 90 days.
Due to security considerations, not everyone can obtain this visa—economic conditions apply.
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