Marcy MinianoAfter a long wait that felt like forever, we can visit the Land of the Rising Sun again! Starting 11 Oct 2022, Japan entry requirements will be further eased as the government fully resumes mass tourism. The country will finally allow visa-free travel (for applicable countries) and scrap the daily arrival cap, according to The Japan Times. During this period, travellers will also no longer need to book through a travel agency!
Note: This article was originally published on 6 Jun 2022. It will be updated regularly for any new developments on Japan travel requirements.
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Japan entry requirements for tourists
Leisure travellers from select countries and territories on the “blue list” — regardless of vaccination status — have been able to enter without quarantine since 10 Jun 2022. Meanwhile, those coming from a “yellow” list country/territory must be fully vaccinated in order to enter without COVID-19 testing requirements. They will also not be subjected to Japan quarantine rules. Click here to see which countries are part of these lists.
Pre-arrival documents for travel to Japan
All tourists must meet the following travel requirements for Japan:
- Passport with at least six months’ validity
- Valid tourist visa – if applicable
- More info here
- Proof of vaccination against COVID-19
- Minimum of three doses. Full details here
- Negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure
- For unvaccinated travellers
- Health insurance with COVID-19 coverage
- Registration to the MySOS and COCOA mobile apps
- Must be made at least six hours prior to arrival
- Booking with an approved tour group
- Applicable only until 10 Oct 2022
Note: We advise all travellers to practice due diligence in making sure that the travel agency is a legitimate one.
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Arrival in Japan
There are currently seven airports in Japan that welcome overseas travellers: Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu Centrair, Fukuoka, New Chitose, and Naha.
All international travellers will be subject to document checking and health screening protocols at the airport. Fortunately, tourists from “blue list” countries (regardless of vaccination status) and “yellow list” countries (if fully vaccinated) will not be subject to any COVID-19 tests (both pre-departure and on-arrival).
During your stay
All travel agency guides are expected to take full responsibility for ensuring that tourists comply with the country’s health and safety measures. The Japan Tourism Agency has released a set of guidelines for foreign visitors, which includes wearing masks outdoors at all times, sanitising their hands, and having private medical insurance coverage. Tour guides aren’t required to chaperone their participants throughout their stay anymore.
Prior to the trip, travel agents must obtain consent from participants on these guidelines. Should some refuse to comply with certain measures, they may be told to leave the tour. Travel agents are also encouraged to avoid crowded locations in their itineraries and keep records of tour movements. In case someone tests positive for COVID-19, the guide must immediately escort them to an isolation facility.
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It’s also worth noting that mask-wearing has been a common practice in Japan pre-pandemic. That said, we recommend that travellers be observant when it comes to what the locals are doing and follow suit. For a full guide on the country’s preventive measures, click here.
Make sure to bring your passport with you wherever you go. Keep the MySOS and COCOA apps on your smartphone throughout your stay, since this will give you easier access to various commercial establishments.
Also read: Vietnam Entry Requirements You Should Know Before Your Trip
With Japan about to open for tourism, click here to get started with some travel inspiration.
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