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Like much of the world, Japan is currently experiencing a second wave of COVID-19. While the country has reopened for select travelers, the borders do remain strictly controlled.
Known for being the birthplace of Sushi and some of the most unique cultural traditions in the world, Japan has not yet reopened for general tourists. Here are all the latest COVID-19 entry requirements for Japan and everything travelers need to know before booking a trip.
Countries Allowed To Visit Japan
Following Japan’s strict border lockdown protocols, no foreign tourists are currently allowed to enter Japan for travel purposes, with 152 territories currently banned outright from entering. However, there are some ways into the country.
For those who are residents in Japan, it is possible to gain entry/re-entry into the country. The nationalities this applies to are as follows:
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Malaysia
- Cambodia
- Laos
- Myanmar
- Taiwan
- Singapore
- Brunei
- Republic of Korea
- China
Those from Singapore, Republic of Korea, Vietnam and China may also apply for entry to Japan for businesses reasons. Australia is to join the list of countries with residential or business access to the country following further consultation.
Foreigners nationals with the status of residence and a valid re-entry permit – including those from the countries designated as an “area subject to denial of permission to enter Japan” – are also now permitted to re-enter the country. There are extra quarantine measures required for any foreigners arriving with the following residence categories:
- Permanent Resident
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Long Term Resident (including the spouse of a Japanese national or Japanese child who does not have residence)
Travel Authorization To Visit Japan
Foreign nationals intending to return to Japan through the Residence Track or the Business Track must complete a form that is specific to their nationality, which can be found here.
Depending on visa type or condition of entry, there may be other documents required, such as invitation letters or application forms. Further details can be found here.
Japan's COVID-19 Testing Entry Requirements
Entry to Japan is conditional on a Covid-19 test being completed within 72 hours of the flight departure time. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has provided a sample format of certification to be followed online. They also declared that if any testing facility does not accept that format, the following information must be listed on the document:
- personal information of an applicant (name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, sex)
- proof of authenticity of the COVID-19 test result (test method (only limited to the test method mentioned in the format), test result, date (and time) of sampling, date of test result, date of issuance of the certificate)
- information of a medical institution (the name and address of a medical institution /the name of a doctor/stamp seal (or signature of doctor))
Quarantine Entry Requirements For Japan
All foreign nationals who enter Japan are required to undergo a 14-day period of quarantine.
COVID-19 Travel Insurance Entry Requirements
Covid-19-specific travel insurance is not required for entry to Japan.
Travel Off Path recommends all travelers have proper insurance that covers COVID-19.
COVID-19 Health Requirements While in Japan
Japan has no specific Covid-19-related health requirements, but visitors should ensure to wear a mask, wash hands frequently and maintain social distancing when possible.
COVID-19 Vaccine Entry Requirements
A vaccine for COVID-19 is not yet available to the public. Japan has not announced any mandates on a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) for entry.
Visa Entry Requirements For Japan During COVID-19
Prospective travelers to Japan should note that single and multiple-entry visas has been suspended in many countries, the details of which can be found here. Visa exemption measures with various countries have also been temporarily suspended, and now visas must be obtained prior to travel. Those countries are as follows:
Asia
Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet Nam
Oceania
Australia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon
Latin America and the Caribbean
Argentine, Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay
Europe
Andorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican
Middle East
Israel, Iran, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates
Africa
Lesotho, Tunisia
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories