Japan Travel Entry Requirement 2023
(Below information is dated 16 March 2023. Do alway check for updated information.)
As of 2023, Japan has introduced new travel entry requirements in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The country has been carefully monitoring the situation and has implemented these measures to ensure the safety of both its citizens and visitors. These new requirements apply to all travelers arriving in Japan, regardless of their nationality or visa status. It is important for anyone planning to travel to Japan to be aware of these requirements to avoid any issues or complications upon arrival. In this context, this introduction will provide an overview of the new travel entry requirements to Japan in 2023.
Before departing, all entrants must obtain either a valid vaccination certificate, or a negative Covid-19 test certificate, and also check your Visa requirement too.
As For A Valid Vaccination Certificate
The certificate must be issued by a government or public institution.
The items must be indicated in Japanese or English.
The certificate must clearly show, that you have received 3 doses, of any of the following vaccines, on the Emergency Use Listing of World Health Organization (WHO).
[Links For Updated Information]
As For A Negative Covid-19 Test Certificate
The Covid-19 test, must be taken within 72 hours of the scheduled departure time, and the 72-hour window, is counted from the time, the sample is taken and not from the time the results are received.
[Links For Updated Information]
In the case, where individuals under the age of 18, do not possess a valid vaccination certificate,
If the accompanying guardian, who will be responsible for supervising the children possesses a valid vaccination certificate, the children will be considered as having a valid vaccination certificate as well, and thus, they will be exempted from submitting negative certificates similar to the guardian, as an exceptional case.
In the event that the accompanying guardian does not possess a valid vaccination certificate and enters Japan with a negative certificate, children of preschool age (typically under the age of 6) are not obligated to submit negative certificates, whereas children aged 6 and above are required to present negative certificates.
If children who do not have a valid vaccination certificate enter Japan, unaccompanied, they are not qualified for the aforementioned exception, and hence, they are required to present a negative certificate.
[Links For Updated Information]
For those who enter Japan, from or via China
From March 1st, 2023, Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate is required to the following travelers:
All those who enter Japan, by a direct flight from China, (excluding Hong Kong and Macau).
[Links For Updated Information]
Visit Japan Web
For a hassle-free entry, through the quarantine, immigration and customs procedures, please refer to the Visit Japan website.
Quarantine
Every visitor including infants, is required to create an account on the Visit Japan website. However, if you choose not to use Visit Japan Web, you may complete the "Questionnaire for Quarantine" on the MHLW website.
To expedite the quarantine procedures at all airports, please make sure to register a valid vaccination certificate or a negative Covid-19 test certificate.
After submitting all necessary information and completing the relevant reviews by the authorities, your Visit Japan Web screen will turn “blue”.
Immigration and Customs
To ensure a seamless entry into Japan, please register the pertinent information on the Visit Japan website and obtain QR codes, which are produced upon registration.
It is important to note that the immigration and customs procedures on Visit Japan Web, are only accessible at 7 Major Airports, namely:
Tokyo Narita
Tokyo Haneda
Kansai
Chubu
Fukuoka
New Chitose
Naha.
If You Don’t Use The Visit Japan Web
In case you opt not to use the Visit Japan website, you may either submit the necessary paper documents or register your information at the airport upon arrival.
However, please note that the document verification process on-site, may take a longer time. It is strongly recommended that you register all your information via Visit Japan Web beforehand, to ensure a smoother and quicker process.
[Links For Updated Information]
Mask Wearing
From 13 March 2023, Japan's government, will drastically ease face mask guidelines. Mask use, will largely depend on personal choice. But the government, still recommended mask use for medical institutions, and nursing homes and in crowded trains or bus. As usage of mask, will provide protection for people, who have a higher risk of serious illness, like elderly people, people with underlying medical conditions and pregnant women especially in crowded settings.
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Vaccine Certificate for Quarantine - https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html
MHLW website - https://arqs-qa.followup.mhlw.go.jp/#/
Visit Japan Web Website - https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
Visit Japan Web Instruction Manual - https://www.vjw.digital.go.jp/manual/main/visitjapanweb_manual_en.pdf
Visit Japan Web FAQ - https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/faq/fasttrack-en.html
Children Under Age Of 18 Without Vaccination Certificate - https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/faq/fasttrack-en.html
Mask Use - https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000164708_00079.html