27/06/2022
TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS TO ENTER JAPAN
Japan is gradually easing COVID-19 entry restrictions. Japan will accept some tourists from June 10, 2022, starting with small package vacations.
Currently, travel to Japan is restricted. Entry is limited to JAPANESE NATIONALS, FOREIGN RESIDENTS and a few other FOREIGNERS.
The Japan’s entry restrictions and requirements information during COVID-19, includes;
•Who can travel to Japan during COVID-19?
•Testing and quarantine on arrival requirements
•COVID-19 measures in place in Japan
Note: Entry restrictions are subject to change at short notice. Make sure you know the latest information before making any travel arrangements.
WHO CAN TRAVEL TO JAPAN DURING COVID-19?
Most foreigners can’t enter Japan at this time. The current restrictions ban foreign tourists and non- residents from entering.
This restrictions will be partially eased from June 10,2022 and a limited number of foreign tourists will be permitted to enter on ORGANIZED TRIPS.
Meanwhile, the following groups can already enter Japan anytime;
•Foreign residents of Japan with re-entry permit
•Family members of Japanese nationals and foreign residents (visa required)
•Business travelers (visa and sponsor required)
•Students (visa and sponsor required)
A maximum of 20,000 foreign nationals a day can enter Japan. Entry permission is required in all cases.
COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENTS AND BUSINESS TRAVELERS
A limited number of foreign business travelers and students have been able to enter Japan since March 1, 2022.
These rules apply to foreign nationals entering:
•For business or employment, for up to 3 months
•For long term stays including foreign students and technical trainees
To apply for a visa, foreigners need documentation from the receiving organization (company or organization),
Anyone who believes they are eligible to travel to Japan should contact the embassy or consulate for more information. Students and technical trainees can get further guidance from the educational institution.
FAMILY MEMBERS OF JAPANESE NATIONALS AND FOREIGN RESIDENTS
Relatives of Japanese nationals and foreign residents can now enter Japan if they apply in advance.
The following family members may be granted entry under these rules:
•Second-degree relatives of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, including spouses, grandparents, children, and grandchildren
•Spouse, children, and parents of long-term residents in Japan
Family members should apply for a kinship visa in advance. The relative in Japan needs to supply some paperwork, such as a copy of their residence card.
With a kinship visa, foreigners can visit Japan for non-emergency purposes and can travel anywhere in the country.
WHEN WILL JAPAN’S BORDERS REOPEN TO FOREIGN TOURISTS?
Japan will start welcoming back foreign tourists soon. A limited number of group tours will be permitted from June 10, 2022. Foreigners will have a fixed itinerary allowing them to visit specific areas.
The government will monitor how it affects COVID-19 rates. Provided it goes to plan, it could be expanded.
The exact requirements have not yet been specified. A COVID-19 booster shot may be required to participate.
DO I HAVE TO QUARANTINE ON ARRIVAL IN JAPAN?
Cross-border travelers from designated countries are required to self-quarantine on arrival. Measures may be relaxed depending on the passenger’s vaccination status.
The list of designated countries of origin is updated regularly, travelers must consult the latest version to check their specific quarantine requirements. All arrivals have a test at the airport before entering quarantine.
Here is a summary of the requirements.
QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS FROM DESIGNATED COUNTRIES
Travelers WITHOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 3 days. Quarantine ends if test results on the third day are negative. No further self-isolation is required.
Travelers WITH PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION and a BOOSTER can quarantine at home for 7 days. They can shorten the self-isolation period with a negative test after 3 days.
QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS FROM NON-DESIGNATED COUNTRIES
Travelers WITHOUT PROOF OF VACCINATION can quarantine at home for 7 days. They can shorten the self-isolation period with a negative test after 3 days.
Travelers WITH PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION and a BOOSTER are not required to quarantine.
COVID-19 PCR TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR JAPAN
•Passengers must have a negative COVID-19 test result to enter Japan.
•Accepted tests are LAMP, NEAR, Next Generation Sequence, quantitative antigen (CLEIA/ECLEIA), PCR, RT-PCR, Smart Amp, TMA, or TRC.
•Tests must be taken no more than 72 hours before departing from the first embarkation point, test certificates must be in English.
•Travelers must check their test certificate meets all the specifications to travel. Children under the age of 6 are exempt.
IS THERE A TRAVEL HEALTH CARD TO ENTER JAPAN DURING COVID-19?
•Passengers are required to complete a “Quarantine Questionnaire”, also known as a Travel Health Certificate, before traveling to Japan.
•This measure has been implemented to track and trace foreigners arriving during the pandemic and contain the spread of COVID-19.
•This can be completed online at any point before the passenger passes through Japanese immigration control. On completing the form, the system will issue a QR code to present on arrival.
MySOS APP FOR JAPAN
•Passengers must install the “MySOS app” on their smartphones. The app provides services to cross-border travelers and Japanese nationals returning to Japan.
•During the designated quarantine period (if required) travelers must report their location and health condition using the MySOS application.
CURRENT JAPANESE VISA RESTRICTIONS
•Visas for Japan are currently being issued only to those foreigners who are permitted to enter the country (see above).
•Most visas issued before March 2020 are invalid and cannot be used for travel.
•Under normal circumstances, Japan offers visa-free entry to many countries, including the United States, Australia, and European nations.
•As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, visa exemptions are suspended until further notice. This means that travelers who normally enjoy visa exemption for Japan may have to apply for a visa.
•Japan’s standard visa policy will resume when restrictions on international travel are lifted.
•Foreigners should get the latest visa information before making any arrangements. Japanese embassies and consulates can offer guidance based on the individual’s specific circumstances.
OTHER RESTRICTIONS FOR JAPAN DUE TO COVID-19
•Some internal restrictions are in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Japan further.
•The use of face masks is still heavily encouraged in public spaces, except when eating or drinking. Everyone should follow social distancing measures.
•Since the state of emergency has been lifted, restaurants and bars are beginning to return to their normal opening hours and can once again serve alcohol. This may happen in a gradual and controlled manner in some areas of the country.
•Most nonessential businesses have reopened in Japan. Check this page for regular updates on Japan’s COVID-19 travel restrictions.
Note: For more updates please visit
https://www.visasjapan.com/
