On Decemeber 25, 2024 the official announcement from the Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya regarding the ten year relaxation for the tourist visa has elated the tourists from China. It also includes the extension of stay period from 15 to 30 days for the group travels. The highlight of these announcement is to promote economic and cultural exchanges between China and Japan.
“China-Japan relations are currently at a critical juncture for improvement and development” said Iwaya Japan Foreign Minister
Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya met the Chinese participants which includes Wang Yi the Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Foreign Minister. The recent announcement of 10-year visa focuses mainly the wealthy class and the issuance conditions such as higher annual income and asset requirements, aiming to provide convenience for the wealthy class people and promoting their consumption in Japan. The multiple entry tourist visa of Japan is valid for three years and five years for the Chinese citizens who use it for their travels.
The extension of stay period helps the Chinese tourists to arrange or plan for a longer trips with the increase in choice of travel destinations, the enhanced opportunities to visit regional cities rather than convenient transportation. These new concerns is expected to be implemented in spring 2025 after the completion of the preparations.