Mar 10 (NHK) - The Chinese government is suspending the visa-free privileges of Japanese who visit China for a term of no more than 15 days for sightseeing purposes.
The Japanese Embassy in Beijing says the Chinese government notified Japan of the indefinite suspension on Monday. Beijing says visas will be required for such travelers starting on Tuesday.
Beijing also says Japanese people who briefly visit China on business or to see their relatives will continue to enjoy their visa-free status but they need to present documents issued by their recipients in China.
China is asking arrivals from Japan to Beijing, Shanghai, and other major Chinese cities to undergo a 14-day self-quarantine over concerns of the new coronavirus. The measure is believed to have reduced the number of Japanese tourists.