Your long-awaited trip to Japan might arrive sooner than expected!
On 5 May 2022, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that Japan will be taking another step in easing their border control measures. This is expected to take place in June and will see Japan introduce smoother entry processes similar to that of other G7 members like the UK, Canada, and more.
Also read: New Zealand to Reopen Borders for Quarantine-Free Travel in May 2022
According to local broadcaster FNN, visitors who wish to visit Japan must have undergone three COVID-19 vaccination shots and be part of a package tour with a fixed itinerary, citing multiple government officials. These measures will be treated as an experiment and will depend on the state of infections after the Golden Week public holidays that lasts from late April to early May. Should infections not spread, the programme will be further expanded.
Japan’s current border measures
Japan is currently closed to all foreign travellers except for business travellers and foreign students with relevant visas. As of 1 Mar 2022, these are the current requirements to be fulfilled before being granted entry into Japan.
1. You must take a pre-departure COVID-19 test 72 hours before departure and produce a negative result. The full list of tests can be found here.
2. You must be fully vaccinated, deemed as taking three doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and have proof of vaccination as well. Those who are not fully vaccinated will be required to serve quarantine at their residence or self-secured accommodation.
3. You are required to fill in a “Written Pledge” and present it upon arrival.
4. You are required to fill in a health questionnaire online and produce the QR code issued upon arrival.
Also read: Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Framework: All You Need to Know Before Travelling
Travellers entering Japan via any of the five major international airports can also use the Fast Track application, which is an all-in-one portal to submit one’s proof of vaccination and health questionnaire form. More details can be found here.
Let’s hope that we can all visit this lovely country soon!