Japan to offer 3-year, multiple-entry visas available to wealthy Chinese visitors

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Japan will offer three-year multiple-entry visas to Chinese visitors and their family members who demonstrate sufficient financial means.

What does the change mean? The visas will allow multiple entries, but the duration of stay will be limited to a maximum 30 days per visit (instead of up to 90 days under current tourist/business visas).

• Implementation time frame: May 8.
• Visas/permits affected: TemporaryVisit visas.
• Who is affected: Chinese nationals demonstrating sufficient financial means.
• Business impact: The visas will facilitate repeat business travel and tourism since travelers will not need to re-apply for a visa for each entry.
• Next steps:  Applicants will be required to submit bank statements and other supporting documents different from those required for existing Temporary Visit visas, although a threshold financial amount has not been announced. Additional details will be available May 8.  

Background: Currently, Chinese nationals are required to apply for a single-entry visa for their first visit to Japan and may apply for double- or multiple-entry visas thereafter. When the new visas are implemented, Japanese Embassies may limit the first trip to tourism only, before allowing business activities on subsequent trips.

BAL Analysis: The three-year, multiple-entry visas should reduce processing for Chinese business travelers and their family members who make frequent trips to Japan. However, visits will be limited to 30 days and business activities may be restricted on the first visit. BAL will report the application requirements as they become available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.