Visa requirements eased for Chinese nationals

IMPACT – LOW

What is the change? The Japanese government has eased the requirements for Chinese nationals applying for multiple-entry visas issued for business purposes.

What does the change mean? Chinese nationals no longer need to provide proof of previous Japanese visas or letters of reference from Japanese guarantors in order to qualify for the multiple-entry visas.

• Implementation timeframe: The changes took effect Jan. 19.
• Visas/permits affected: Temporary Visitor’s Visa.
• Who is affected: Chinese nationals traveling to and from Japan on business.
• Impact on processing times: The change provides a simpler and faster process for obtaining multiple-entry visas issued for business purposes.
• Business impact: The relaxed rules will ease business travel for Chinese nationals.

Background: The Japanese government announced several changes on Nov. 8 that make it easier for Chinese nationals to travel to Japan. Other changes will provide multiple-entry visas valid for five years to “applicants with substantially high incomes and their families” and will expand the number of Chinese tourists eligible for multiple-entry visas to Okinawa Island and parts of the Tohoku region. The changes went into effect Jan. 19.

BAL Analysis: Japan is making efforts to simplify requirements for an increasing number of Chinese visitors. The reduced documentary requirements make it easier for Chinese business travelers to make frequent trips to Japan on multiple-entry visas.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Japan. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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