27/05/2022
International Travel Restrictions
As one of the last countries in the world, Japan is currently still keeping its borders closed to foreign tourists. However, it was announced that Japan will reopen its borders to tour group travelers from June 10.
In order to visit Japan as a tourist, the following two conditions will apply:
Travelers must visit Japan on a guided tour organized by a Japan-based travel agency or operator. The travel agency or operator will handle application procedures and be held responsible for the tour participants.
Travelers must arrive from a country on the so called "blue list", which lists countries where the risk of catching the coronavirus is considered low. There are currently 98 countries on the "blue list", including most countries in North America, East Asia, Europe and Oceania. Prominent countries not on the "blue list" are Portugal, India and Turkey. See all countries on the list below.
A negative PCR test prior to departure is required to enter Japan; however, there will be no test and no quarantine upon arrival in Japan regardless of vaccination status.
Note furthermore that because the visa-waiver system is currently suspended, all travelers will need to apply for a visa in order to enter Japan.
It remains unknown when independent tourists will be able to enter the country again.
Countries on the "blue list":
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyz, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, USA, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Zambia
Japan will reopen to tourists from 98 countries and regions starting June 10, ending a 2-year pandemic closure.