Latest Travel Requirements to Japan (2023)

Last updated 22ndSeptember 2022, 15:00 BST

Summary

This page covers the requirements in depth, if you would like a brief overview then check out our blog post: The definitive guide to Japan’s tourist reopening in September 2022

From 7th September 2022 Japan has fully opened to trips provided by licensed travel companies such as us at InsideJapan Tours. What type of trips are allowed? How do I get a visa? Do I need to be vaccinated? Do I need to wear a mask while in Japan? Read on to find the answers!

  • Who is currently allowed to travel to Japan?
  • What is required to travel to Japan and what about visas?
  • Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Japan?
  • Do I need to do a pre-departure Covid test?
  • Do I need to download any tracing apps in Japan?
  • What measures are in place when I arrive in Japan?
  • Will I need to wear a mask in Japan?
  • Can I use public transport in Japan?
  • Are there any restrictions on where tourists can travel?
  • What happens if I get Covid during the trip?
  • Return air fares (international flights)
  • More information
  • Who is currently allowed to travel to Japan?

    Entry to Japan is open to travellers from 98 'low risk' countries for independent travel or group tours arranged by a licensed travel company such as InsideJapan Tours.

    The Japanese government has separated all countries into 'red', 'yellow' and 'blue' categories, based on covid safety levels. The98 “low risk” countriesare categorized as “blue” - this includes Australia, Britain, most of Europe,the US and Canada. Travellers from these areas do not need to self-isolate or test upon arrival, those who are triple vaccinated do not need to test before departure either.

  • What is required to travel to Japan and what about visas?

    From September 7th, 2022, to enter Japan tourists simply need to:

    • Book a trip operated by an approved tour operator such as InsideJapan Tours.
    • Have stayed in a Group Blue country for 14 days prior to arrival.
    • Apply for the short-term tourist visa –our travel consultants can help you through this processto make sure you get your visa as smoothly and painlessly as possible. If you are keen to travel with us but need more information on visas, you cancontact us.
    • Optional but recommended: Download theMysos App,to fast-track you through arrivals when you get to Japan. Using this app, you can upload documentation of things such as a negative covid test and vaccination certificates. The relevant documents must be uploaded to the MySoS app at least 6 hours before your flight's departure.We recommend that this is done at least 2 or more days in advancein case of any technical issues, but pre-registration of your information is possible from 2 weeks prior to your trip so you can get the ball rolling even sooner if you like.
    • Have a travel insurance plan that covers covid-related medical expenses and disruptions.

    For more information on entering Japan, you can refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization’s (JNTO) website :General Checklist For Traveling to Japan

  • Do I need to be vaccinated to go to Japan?

    There isno vaccination requirement to enter Japan. However, if you are triple vaccinated then from September 7th 2022, you do not need to do a pre-departure Covid test.

    (Video) NEW Japan Entry Requirements: Easier Than We Thought?? | Japan Travel Update 2022

    Children under 18 travelling to Japan with vaccinated parents/guardians -Children under the age of 18 do not need to have vaccination certificates and nor will they need have negative Covid test certificates if they are travelling with parents or guardians who have been vaccinated and have vaccination certificates.

  • Do I need to download any tracing apps in Japan?

    Besides the Mysos App, which is designed as a Fast Track App, there is no requirement to download any apps to enter Japan.

  • What measures are in place when I arrive in Japan?

    Japanese are travelling in their country and life in Japan is back to normal with restaurants and sights welcoming back visitors.

    The Japanese government has established a set of etiquette guidelines for tourists and locals. You’ll quickly notice most people will be wearing masks and there will be no shortage of hand sanitizer in public places. Japan still uses markers on shop/ store floors to encourage social distancing and digital thermometers at entrances plus plenty of “please wear your masks signs” throughout the country.

    The Japan Tourism Agency has put together a nice set of graphics to illustrate the current travel etiquette guidelines:

    Latest Travel Requirements to Japan (1)

  • Will I need to wear a mask in Japan?

    For now, yes – mask wearing is still required to a certain degree although in Japan, all Covid "requirements"are actually advisory rather than set in law.

    Starting in May, the Japanese government has slowly been easing restrictions on mask wearing, allowing more leeway to take masks off when outdoors or in places that have good ventilation, proper social distancing, or a general lack of conversation. It was already normal to wear a mask if you were feeling under the weather even before Covid, and now wearing a mask has almost become a form of politeness in Japan. While walking around you will notice that many people are choosing to continue wearing masks regardless of the rules.

    While official rules have been changing, after two years of mask wearing many are still reluctant to take masks off in public settings. The current guidelines on wearing masks can be seen here.

    (Video) Japan will Drop Tour & Visa Requirement in October
  • Can I use public transport in Japan?

    Yes! Just be sure to wear a mask.

  • Are there any restrictions on where tourists can travel?

    No - There are no restrictions in this regard.

  • What happens if I get Covid during the trip?

    Should you contract coronavirus during your travels, you will have either your tour leader or our 24/7 customer support team available to assist you. We have protocols in place to ensure that any testing, self-isolation, or doctor visits will be conducted to ensure everyone’s trip is as smooth and safe as possible.

  • Return air fares (international flights)

    What about the requirement for the authorized tour agency to book my international flights?

    The requirement is that the organizing authorized agency (e.g., InsideJapan Tours) is required to put in place an arrangement whereby they have the full details of your return air tickets. If we have booked flights for you, then we already have this information. If you have booked your own flights, we simply need to have your return air information in advance of providing the documents needed for your visa application.

    (Video) Travel Requirements To Enter Japan

  • Latest Coronavirus News From Japan

    Find out more about coronavirus related news in Japan and hear from our Insiders on the ground.

    Read more >

  • Book With Confidence

    How will your booking be affected by COVID-19?

    Read more >

  • Travel With Confidence

    How will your experience in Japan be affected?

    Read more >

    (Video) Yes, You CAN Enter Japan Soon. BUT, There Are Still Rules...

FAQs

Can I enter Japan right now? ›

Yes, visa free tourism resumed October 11, 2022.

Individual tourists may visit Japan starting October 11, 2022, subject to vaccine or testing requirements as further described in the U.S. Embassy's “Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling to Japan” webpage.

What is the travel restriction for Japan? ›

Visa Free Travel for U.S. Citizen Tourists

Beginning October 11, 2022, individual tourists may visit Japan. At that time, tourists with U.S. passports will no longer need visas for short-term visits (up to three months).

How can I travel to Japan from Philippines 2022? ›

To be able to enter Japan, Philippine passport holders must secure the following requirements:
  1. Passport with at least six months validity.
  2. Valid Japan tourist visa.
  3. Negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure and uploaded here. ...
  4. Health insurance with COVID-19 coverage.
13 Oct 2022

Does Japan have a quarantine requirement? ›

Meanwhile, those who have obtained a valid vaccination certificate will be allowed to have 7-day home quarantine instead, and if they submit a negative result of a voluntary test (PCR test or Quantitative Antigen test) on or after the third day from the entry into Japan, home quarantine is no longer required only after ...

Do you need a visa to travel to Japan 2022? ›

Japan is open! Visa-free, independent travel is now possible for most nationalities. If you are boosted with a Covid vaccine, you do not need a negative Covid test before flying to Japan. If you are unvaccinated or not boosted, you need a negative Covid test.

Is Japan Open in 2023? ›

The Government of Japan announced a policy of resuming entry by individual travellers for tourism purposes beginning on October 11.

Which countries can enter Japan without visa? ›

Citizens of 68 countries can travel to Japan without needing a visa.
...
Countries that are Visa Exempt from Requiring a Japanese Visa.
CountryCountryCountry
Denmark*Dominican RepublicEl Salvador
Estonia*Finland*France*
Germany*GuatemalaGreece*
HondurasHong Kong^^Hungary*
19 more rows
14 May 2022

Do I need a visa to enter Japan? ›

A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.

How long does it take to get a visa to Japan? ›

The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt of the application, provided that there is no particular problem with the content of application. It may take lesser time depending on the Embassy/Consulate General and the purpose of visit.

Are Filipinos allowed to go to Japan? ›

In response to the emerging 'Omicron' variant, the government has announced that only Japanese citizens and foreign nationals with 'special permission' are now allowed to enter Japan – regardless of where they are traveling from.

Can Filipino travel to Japan? ›

Japan is popular with foreign visitors for both tourism and business purposes. Citizens of the Philippines who wish to travel to Japan for a short-term stay require a visa. The most common visa is the temporary visitor visa which grants permission to stay in Japan for up to 90 days.

Can you enter Japan from the Philippines? ›

Proof of a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test is not required for vaccinated travelers with a booster dose. Fully vaccinated travelers having a booster dose don't need a negative COVID-19 test result before traveling to Japan.

When did Japan close its borders history? ›

Sakoku (鎖国, literally "chained country") was the isolationist foreign policy of the Japanese Tokugawa shogunate under which, for a period of 265 years during the Edo period (from 1603 to 1868), relations and trade between Japan and other countries were severely limited, and nearly all foreign nationals were banned from ...

How can I go to Japan from UK? ›

Travel rules for Japan from the UK

Travellers must complete any required forms on the MySoS app or website, and sign a written pledge that they will abide by the Japanese rules on self-isolation and other covid measures.

When should I visit Japan? ›

The best time to visit Japan is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). This is when Japan is at its most vibrant, with delicate cherry blossom or bright red leaves adding contrast to the scenery. Remember, it can also be very crowded at this time.

Is Japan accepting tourists from Philippines? ›

(1) The embassy accepts applications for all kind of visas including Temporary Visitor for individual travel, visiting friends and multiple-entry. (3) Requirements for Visiting Friends are relaxed (No need inviter's “Written pledge”). 2. Validity of multiple-entry visa and APEC Business Travel, etc.

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