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Japan Visa for China Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Chinese citizens must obtain an e-Visa (electronic visa) to visit Japan — apply online at https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/; typical processing is 3–5 business days with a fee payable online via the portal.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry into Japan, and have at least two blank pages for entry stamps or notes.\n- Specific forms: Online application form via the MOFA eVisa portal; no DS-160; upload: passport data page image, digital photo, travel itinerary and any supporting documents (invitation letter, hotel bookings) as requested.\n- Financial proof: Bank statements or other proofs of funds showing funds to cover the trip; recommended funds: equivalent of at least JPY 200,000 per applicant for the entire stay (or international equivalents) as evidence of sufficient funds.\n- Accommodation and return ticket: Confirmed hotel bookings or address where you will stay in Japan; a return or onward flight ticket showing travel out of Japan.\n- Photo spec: Digital photo or scanned image meeting the portal requirements: 4.5 cm x 4.5 cm, color, 300 dpi, white or light background, front view, no headwear unless for religious reasons, must be taken within the last 6 months.\n- Biometrics: Biometrics are not typically collected at a visa application center for e-Visa; you upload a photo and data online; if an in-person biometrics submission is required by a consulate, you will be notified.\n- Travel health insurance: Not strictly required, but strongly recommended to have travel/medical insurance with adequate coverage for illness and medical emergencies during your stay.

Visa types

  • Temporary Visitor Visa (Tourist) — Official name: Temporary Visitor Visa for Tourism; Typical validity: up to 90 days per entry; Entry type: single or multiple (depends on issuance); Approximate fee: usually 0 JPY (visa issuance fee often waived per MOFA portal; check current fee on portal).\n- Temporary Visitor Visa (Business) — Official name: Temporary Visitor Visa for Business; Typical validity: up to 90 days per entry; Entry type: single or multiple (as issued); Approximate fee: usually 0 JPY.\n- Other short-term categories (e.g., transit or conference): Official names as shown on the MOFA eVisa portal; Typical validity and entries as issued; Fee: usually 0 JPY.\n- Long-term or student/work visas — Note: These usually require traditional visa processing and may not be available through the e-Visa portal. For study, work, or long-term stay, apply through the nearest Japanese embassy/consulate with the appropriate Certificate of Eligibility and supporting documents.

How to apply online

  • How to apply online: Go to https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/ and create or log into your account; complete the online application form with personal details, passport information, travel plans, and purpose of visit.\n- Uploads: Upload scanned passport data page, a recent digital photo, and any required supporting documents (invitation letter, itinerary, hotel bookings) as requested by the portal.\n- Fee payment: Pay the visa fee online via the portal using the accepted payment methods; the amount shown on screen applies to your nationality and visa type.\n- Processing time: Standard processing time is typically 3–5 business days after submission; some cases may take longer.\n- How approval arrives: You will receive an email notification and can download the e-Visa approval or obtain a digital visa certificate from the portal; print the e-Visa approval to present on entry.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: shown on the MOFA eVisa portal at time of application; for many Chinese applicants the e-Visa fee is 0 JPY, but verify on the portal for your exact category.\n- Local service/processing fees: Not applicable for online e-Visa through MOFA portal; no VFS/BLS fee for e-Visa.\n- Total cost estimate: If fee is 0 JPY, total is 0 JPY; otherwise the portal will display the exact amount in JPY and its USD equivalent.\n- Standard processing time: 3–5 business days after submission; allow extra time during peak travel periods.\n- Express/priority option: Not typically offered for the e-Visa portal; check the portal if any expedited service is available for your category.

Tips for China travelers

  • Apply well in advance: Start your e-Visa application at least 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for processing and any document requests.\n- Common rejection reasons for China applicants: Incomplete or inconsistent information, passport details not matching documents, insufficient funds or travel plans not aligned with declared purpose, inadequate travel history, or invalid passport validity.\n- VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: For the e-Visa, apply directly through the MOFA eVisa portal; traditional sticker visa via VFS/BLS or consulate may be used for non-electronic visa routes or specific cases; always follow official instructions.\n- Travel advisories or bilateral notes: Check the Japanese MOFA travel advisories for China; ensure there are no entry restrictions or health measures affecting your trip; stay updated through the embassy page and MOFA notices.\n- Extension options inside Japan: Short-term e-Visa stays (Temporary Visitor) are generally not extendable; if you need a longer stay, plan to apply for an appropriate visa (e.g., student or work) before departure or consult the Japanese immigration bureau about possible extensions before expiration.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.