((Updated Mar.8th, 2022))
Are general tourists allowed to enter Japan now ?
As of Mar. 8th 2022, Unfortunately, general tourists (foreign nationals with tourist visa) are not yet allowed to travel in Japan.
In preparation for the days when general tourists can easily come to Japan, let us introduce the current Japanese border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 against all those who are entering Japan, as easier to understand as possible, compared to the official website of government or ministries.
The current cross-border measures in Japan
So, what is needed to enter Japan ? Lets’ look at the steps to follow together.
Step 1. What to prepare before entering Japan
1. Get a certificate of negative test result
The certificate has to prove negative test result, in the designated format, conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where you stay when entering Japan.
Without a certificate, your entry into Japan will be denied in accordance with the Quarantine Act. Airline companies will also reject boarding at a departing airport.
You can consult with Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan in case it is truly difficult to obtain the certificate of negative test result.
References :
- 1. Certificate of Testing (Notice issued by Ministry of Justice)
- 2.Presentation of Inspection Certificate (Notice issued by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
2. Answer online questionnaire and get an issued QR code
The online questionnaire consists of your personal information, where you stay in Japan, where you stayed in the last 14 days before entering Japan, your current physical condition, and contact information for further follow-up.
A QR code will be issued by finishing the questionnaire and you need to print it or capture its screenshot for quarantine procedures at Japanese airports.
3. Sign a Written Pledge
You need to sign and submit a Written Pledge (PDF) when entering Japan, which requires you to obey Japanese quarantine policy against this COVID-19 expansion, including self-quarantine measures.
You are required to pledge to be in quarantine at home or other designated areas, retain the location data, and provide it to the health centers or other institutions, if requested. If separate or additional quarantine measures are to be taken, they also need to be pledged.
In case of violation, they may be subject to detention under Quarantine Act and other penalties will be applied, if any.
Step 2. When entering Japan (at Japanese airports)
1. Submit documents
At quarantine station, you are required to submit ;
- certificate of negative test result
- the Written Pledge
- QR code issued after finishing online questionnaire
2. Get tested(PCR)
You need to wait at the designated area until the test result is notified.
If tested positive ? → you are required to stay at locations designated by the quarantine station (only at the accommodation booked by the quarantine office). The detail and procedures afterwards should be noticed when that happens.
3. Install and set up necessary app.
You need to install the app. (MySOS) to your device(smartphone) for further quarantine follow-up. Via this app., you are required to report your location and physical condition during self-quarantine period.
Step 3. What is required after entering Japan
In principal, all those who enter Japan are required to do self-quarantine (self-isolation from others) at home or at your accommodation. You need to follow one of the 3 different measures, depending on where you are from and whether or not you have valid vaccination certificate.
1. What to do for self-quarantine(self-isolation)
[Measure 1] : 3-day quarantine at a specific facility designated by the quarantine station, and negative test result (PCR test) at the facility on the last day
This measure is applied to only those who are from designated countries/regions(*1) and don’t have a valid vaccination certificate(*2).
[Measure 2] : 3-day home quarantine and negative result of a voluntary test on the next day or after, or 7-day home quarantine without test
This measure is applied to ;
those who are from designated countries/regions(*1) and have a valid vaccination certificate(*2)
or
those who are from non-designated countries/regions(*1) and don’t have a valid vaccination certificate(*2).
[Measure 3] : no self-quarantine is required
This is applied to only those who are from non-designated countries/regions(*1), and have a valid vaccination certificate(*2).
[Notes:]
(*1) The designated countries/regions are as follows; (as of Mar.8th,2022)
Bangladesh, Brazil(Parana), Cambodia, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Maldives, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam.
(*2) Valid vaccine for certification are as follows ;
-1st and 2nd dose: Pfizer/ Moderna/ AstraZeneca/ Janssen
-3rd dose: Pfizer/ Moderna
2. How to move to places for self-quarantine
Basically, you are not allowed to use the public transportation, and can only use your own car, rent-a-car, hire, or a designated bus or train limited for the new entrants. However, only if you use the shortest route and your move is finished within 24 hours from the PCR test on arrival, you are allowed to use the public transportation.
All K’s House staff wish to welcome you as soon as possible !!!
As we have seen the above together, there are still a lot of limitations in border policy for preventing COVID-19 from spreading. And also, there are still much less number of international flights coming to Japan than before.
However, this pandemic will be ending someday. Therefore, we need to keep patient for a little longer, and also be preparing for the days when all travelers can come to Japan to enjoy as you did in the pre-pandemic days. All K’s House staff are looking forward to welcoming you all from our heart !
See you soon !!!
(This photo was taken before pandemic.)
References
This article is based on the information provided by Japanese government (ministries). Please be noted that this article does not cover all the details for the quarantine procedures. For more specific information, please refer to their official website ;
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) https://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
- Ministry of Justice (MOJ) https://www.moj.go.jp/EN/index.html
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) https://www.isa.go.jp/en/index.html