China Resumes Issuance of Various Visas and Partial Visa Exemption (China): Notice (Yamada Law Firm)
In order to facilitate the exchange and travel of Chinese and foreign personnel, it is decided to make the following adjustments to the visa entry policy for foreigners coming to China from March 15, 2023:
1. The entry function of visas issued before March 28, 2020 will be resumed.
2. Resume the issuance of visas to China (see below for details).
3. Resume the issuance of port visas.
4. Restore visa-free entry to Hainan, visa-free entry to Shanghai cruise ships, visa-free entry to Guangdong for foreigner groups from Hong Kong and Macau, and visa-free entry to Guilin, Guangxi for ASEAN tourist groups.
In addition, the 14-day visa-free policy for Japanese tourists to China is still suspended. Tourist L visas (30 days) can be issued, but individual travel will still be difficult due to the need for an invitation letter.
(Visa Application Details)
From February 2, 2023, the Chinese embassy and consulate general in Japan have adjusted the requirements for Chinese visa processing. Visa applications must be submitted according to the classification of the Chinese embassy/consulate in Japan. The visa application process after renewal is as follows.
1. Visa application process
(1) Applicants from the consular section of the embassy should log on to the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Tokyo), fill in and print the “Visa Application Form of the People’s Republic of China” online, complete the visa application form 9 and sign the form confirmation page online.
(2) Log in to the website of the Chinese Visa Application Service Center to make an appointment to submit the application online and print the visa appointment confirmation form.
(3) Submit the application form at the Chinese Visa Application Service Center (Tokyo) within the agreed time, and have 10 fingerprints.
2. Necessary information
(1) General information
① Fill in the visa application form online
② Original and photocopy of passport
③ Card, Japan entry permit or Japan visa, and Japan entry stamp (for foreigners residing in Japan)
④ Original Chinese passport and naturalization certificate or original Chinese visa (applicable to those who have acquired foreign nationality after the original Chinese nationality)
⑤ 1 photo
3. Other matters needing attention
(1) Suspend the visa-free policy for short-term entry of Japanese.
(2) For diplomatic/official/personnel visas, please consult the Chinese embassy or consulate in Japan.
4. Visa-free eligibility
(1) Foreigners who have signed various visa-free agreements
(2) Foreigners holding valid Chinese permanent residence permits;
(3) Foreigners holding various types of residence permits
(4) Foreigners holding valid APEC business travel cards (except virtual cards)
Reference: http://jp.china-embassy.gov.cn/lszcnew/lshzhch3/202302/t20230201_11017299.html
Da Fei Xiao
Yamada Tax Accountant Co., Ltd.
Partner of Overseas Business Department Certified Tax Agent Registered Fraud Examiner
Manager of Amadea Business Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Joined Yamada & Partners in 2013. After being seconded to a large financial institution, he was assigned to Shanghai in 2016. He assumed his current position in 2019 after being seconded to a Chinese accounting firm. Consulting services in organizational restructuring, entry/exit support, M&A related business, corporate governance and fraud investigation in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
- Please note that what is described is the opinion of the author and not that of the tax accounting firm.
- The content of this article is for general information only and does not constitute specific tax or accounting advice.
- Please note that due to revisions to the tax regime, the treatment may differ from what is described.
