Starting September 14, China sharply raises visa fees for Japanese citizens: a single-entry visa will cost 16,750 yen — roughly 7.4 times the previous level. For anyone planning a short trip to China, this changes not only the budget but also the payment strategy: the fee must be paid upfront, while related costs — hotel bookings, insurance, eSIM — are best handled with a card that works across international payment systems.
What exactly changed
The new rate takes effect from September 14. It applies to the visa fee for Japanese nationals entering China. A single-entry visa now costs 16,750 Japanese yen — an increase of nearly 7.4 times compared to the previous amount.
Other visa categories (multiple-entry, business, tourist) are not detailed in the source — check current rates on the official website of the Chinese consulate in Japan before applying.
Who is affected
- Japanese citizens planning a trip to China.
- Those submitting visa applications after September 14 — old rates are likely no longer valid.
- Travelers applying through visa centers or Chinese consulates in Japan.
Rules for citizens of other countries remain unchanged — refer to your own jurisdiction's requirements.
Documents and timelines
A standard tourist visa package for China typically includes:
- passport valid for at least 6 months;
- completed visa application form;
- photo meeting the required format;
- proof of hotel booking and flight tickets;
- proof of financial means (bank statement).
Processing times and the exact document list are not specified in the source — verify with the consulate or visa center. Applications are usually submitted through a visa center or consulate, not on arrival.
The payment side: how to pay the fee and bookings
In Japan, the visa fee is usually paid in cash or by bank transfer at the visa center. But the bulk of expenses — hotel, insurance, eSIM, taxi — requires a card that is accepted abroad.
Key points to consider:
- Paying for bookings with a foreign card. Hotels in China often request pre-authorization (a hold on the amount) on the card. If the card doesn't support international transactions, the booking may not be confirmed.
- Refunds. When a booking is cancelled, pre-authorization is released not instantly — from a few days to several weeks, depending on the bank.
- Currency nuances. A payment in yuan from a card in yen or dollars will go through at the bank's exchange rate with a possible conversion fee.
- eSIM and taxi. Local apps (Didi, WeChat Pay, Alipay) require linking a card. A virtual card with international payment support simplifies this task.
Practical tip: apply for the visa in advance and keep a separate card for bookings and small expenses — it makes it easier to track holds and refunds.
What to do right now
If your trip to China is planned after September 14, budget for the new fee — 16,750 yen. Check current requirements on the official website of the Chinese consulate in Japan, prepare proof of booking and finances. For paying the hotel, insurance, and eSIM, choose a card that reliably works abroad in advance.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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