Travel Restrictions Between China and Japan: What You Need to Know in 2024

It was supposed to be a smooth trip. Your plans were set, and you were eager to explore Japan’s rich culture, historical sites, and culinary wonders. But then, suddenly, a new wave of regulations hits—leaving you scrambling to understand whether your dream vacation is still possible. This is the reality many travelers between China and Japan are currently facing.

The Shift in Policies
China and Japan have long shared a significant number of tourists flowing between them, and 2024 was no exception. However, the recent geopolitical tensions and concerns over public health have led both nations to implement stringent travel restrictions that have left travelers frustrated and confused. While international travel has resumed in a post-pandemic world, the landscape is constantly shifting with new regulations, health checks, visa changes, and more.

Let’s break it down.

1. Current Entry Restrictions from China to Japan
   The Japanese government has implemented various entry restrictions that are updated frequently based on health risks and diplomatic relations. Travelers from China are subject to additional health checks, including proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or in some cases, negative test results taken within 72 hours before departure. Though these measures were relaxed after 2023, recent spikes in infections have caused a rollback in leniency, meaning stricter health regulations.

   On top of this, the visa waiver program for short-term travel was suspended for Chinese nationals due to both health and diplomatic reasons. Travelers now need to obtain a short-term visa, which involves more paperwork and longer wait times. This has dampened tourist enthusiasm, as previously, Chinese tourists made up a large part of Japan's annual visitors.

   Flights between China and Japan have also been reduced in response to fluctuating demand and policy restrictions. Airlines are now limiting the number of flights, which has led to a rise in airfare prices, making travel between the two countries significantly more expensive.

2. Mandatory Quarantine for High-Risk Areas
   Even if you pass the initial entry requirements, travelers from certain regions in China, deemed high-risk by Japan's Ministry of Health, are required to quarantine for up to seven days upon arrival. This has been a major hurdle for business travelers and tourists alike, as the cost and inconvenience of extended stays in designated quarantine hotels discourage many from making the journey.

   This quarantine requirement is applied inconsistently, depending on where in China the traveler is coming from, and also considers the purpose of travel. Business travelers can sometimes negotiate for shorter quarantine periods, but for leisure travelers, the policy remains stringent.

3. New Visa Restrictions
   Visas are no longer just a formality; they’ve become a barrier to entry for many travelers. Before 2023, visa exemptions allowed for smooth entry into Japan for Chinese tourists, especially for short-term visits. But Japan has now significantly tightened its visa policies for Chinese nationals. Even for a simple tourist visa, travelers need to provide extensive documentation, including proof of accommodation, itinerary, and financial means for the trip.

   The processing time has increased as well, causing many to cancel or postpone their travel plans due to long wait periods. Adding to the complexities, the Japanese embassy has been overwhelmed with visa applications, creating a backlog that further delays the process. For frequent travelers, such hurdles were never expected, which has caused quite a stir among the travel community.

4. Health Declaration and Digital Requirements
   On top of all that, new digital requirements have emerged for travelers entering Japan from China. All travelers must complete a health declaration form and upload it through Japan’s government-approved app, which can sometimes malfunction or lead to delayed approvals. For those who aren’t tech-savvy, this additional layer of bureaucracy can be extremely frustrating.

   Travelers also need to register their contact information and provide updates on their health status during their stay. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or deportation.

The Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
Geopolitical tensions between China and Japan have been escalating recently due to economic competition, territorial disputes, and political disagreements. These factors have, in turn, impacted the diplomatic relationship, leading to travel restrictions as a collateral consequence. For instance, visa restrictions were imposed partially as a reaction to these growing tensions, and it’s expected that until these are resolved, travelers will continue to face challenges.

Economic Impact
The economic fallout from these restrictions is not limited to tourism. Both China and Japan have experienced significant losses in business travel, trade exchanges, and investment opportunities. With Japanese companies holding large investments in Chinese markets, the travel limitations are seen as an obstacle to maintaining strong business ties. Moreover, the tourism industry has suffered, as Chinese tourists contributed billions to the Japanese economy before these new restrictions were introduced.

Let’s look at the economic data related to tourism flow:

Year	Chinese Tourists to Japan	Economic Contribution (USD)	Change from Previous Year (%)
2020	9.59 million	$14 billion	-50%
2021	5.2 million	$8 billion	-45%
2022	6.8 million	$10.5 billion	+30%
2023	3.4 million	$5.7 billion	-47%

As the table shows, the sharp decline in tourist numbers and their economic contribution is evident since 2020, with restrictions in 2023 exacerbating this trend. These losses are not expected to recover until travel between the two nations stabilizes.

Navigating the New Normal
So, where does this leave travelers in 2024? If you’re planning a trip to Japan from China, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Stay updated on the latest travel advisories: Policies are changing frequently. Check for updates on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
• Be prepared for longer visa processing times: Start your visa application early and ensure all documentation is in place.
• Comply with health requirements: Keep your vaccination records up to date and ensure you meet all testing or quarantine requirements.

Will Things Get Better?
Many analysts are hopeful that as diplomatic talks between China and Japan continue, some of these travel restrictions may be lifted, particularly the visa and health-related barriers. However, the situation remains unpredictable, and it’s important to stay flexible in your travel plans.

For now, the best advice for Chinese travelers eyeing Japan is to be prepared for last-minute changes and to ensure all paperwork is complete well in advance of your trip. The frustrations are real, but they are part of the current travel landscape.