COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Japan (21 July Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

• The re-entry into Japan of foreign nationals with residency status who have stayed in countries/regions with a coronavirus variant of high concern (VOC) within 14 days prior to the application for landing is prohibited for the time being unless there are special exceptional circumstances.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• No with exceptions

• Travel for tourism and most other short-term purposes is not permitted. Visa-free travel is suspended.

• Most foreigners are banned from entering Japan at this time. Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with a re-entry permit.

• Foreign nationals who are entitled to enter Japan under special exceptional circumstances are required to apply for an appropriate visa at embassies or consulates of a Consular Office of Japan (for Taiwan, the Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association) in their own country or region.

• Foreign nationals who have stayed in any of the banned countries/regions found on this page within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied entry. However, travellers who have remained airside on a flight that has only stopped at or transited through a banned country will be permitted to enter Japan.

• Foreign nationals who have stayed in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied entry to Japan.

• Foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Permanent Resident”, “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Long Term Resident”, who departed Japan with Re-entry Permission by the next day of the designation from countries denied permission to enter, are treated as persons in special exceptional circumstances. Foreign nationals with the status “Special Permanent Resident” are not within the scope of this entry ban.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes, with exceptions

• Transiting is allowed for passengers who are transiting through one Japanese airport and do not go through immigration. If transiting using different airports, the traveller will need a transit permit on arrival. To get a transit permit, the traveller will be required to demonstrate that they have not come from a country on the banned list, that they have onward travel plans, and that they will not use public transport (including taxis) to move between airports.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers must undergo a COVID-19 test on arrival.

Is a test certificate accepted?

• Yes

• Test certificates obtained outside of Japan are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• All travellers entering Japan, including Japanese citizens must submit a certificate for a negative test performed within 72 hours before departing for Japan. Specific details for the valid format of the “Certificate of Negative Test Result” can be found on this page.

• Those who do not submit a certificate for the negative test result will be denied entry into Japan.

Note: All travellers should carry an RT-PCR test certificate of a nasal swab test and NOT a nasal and throat swab. Non-compliance with this requirement will be declared inadmissible entry to Japan.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• Arriving travellers must enter quarantine for two weeks after arrival, at a designated location (such as a hotel or their own home).

• All travellers who are allowed to enter Japan and who do not present a COVID-19 test certificate must stay at a designated location booked by authorities. On the third day after arrival in Japan, travellers will be required to take a COVID-19 test. If the test result is negative, travellers will be allowed to leave the designated location and continue to self-quarantine at home until the completion of 14 days after entering Japan.

• Travellers arriving from Uganda, UK, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Moscow (Russia), and the UAE or who have stayed in these countries in the previous 14 days are required to enter a six-day quarantine at specific facilities designated by authorities. The travellers will then be required to take COVID-19 tests on days 3 and 6. Those testing negative for COVID-19 on both tests will be allowed to leave the facility and self-quarantine at home for the remaining period of 14 days after entering Japan.

• Travellers arriving from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, Zambia, and Nepal or who have stayed in these countries in the previous 14 days are required to enter a ten-day quarantine at government-designated facilities. The travellers will then be required to take COVID-19 tests on days 3, 6 and 10. Those who have a negative result on the three tests will be allowed to leave the quarantine facility and are required to self-quarantine at home during the remaining period of 14 days after entering Japan.

• Travellers arriving from other countries or regions recording community transmission of the new COVID-19 variants are required to enter quarantine for three days at a location designated by health authorities. These travellers are required to take the COVID-19 test on the third day. A negative result will still require completion of the remaining (14 days) quarantine period at home.

• The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to arriving travellers who have stayed within the prior 14 days in the countries and regions recording the transmission of the coronavirus variant (B.1.617). Vaccination status has no impact on an individual’s eligibility to travel to Japan, and Japan’s quarantine restrictions apply regardless of vaccination status.

• All residents, Japanese citizens, and foreign nationals must avoid using public transportation for 14 days post-arrival to Japan. Travellers are asked to retain their location data and to provide it to the health centres or other institutions if requested. They are required to sign the Written Pledge when entering Japan. In case of violation, they may be subject to detention under the Quarantine Act and other penalties.

• Quarantine officials will arrange regular phone or video calls with travellers during their self-quarantine period to ensure compliance. If a traveller does not have a smartphone, most international airports offer an option for travellers to rent one upon arrival. Foreign residents found violating quarantine instructions may have their residency status cancelled and face deportation.

• Based on the above restrictions, the traveller will be required to spend a minimum of 14 days in quarantine upon arrival.

Is a vaccination required?

• No

• A vaccination for COVID-19 is not required for entry into the country. Japan makes no distinction between vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers in its COVID-related entry requirements.

Entry Form?

• Yes

• A completed “Quarantine Questionnaire” must be presented upon arrival.

• All arriving travellers with the status of residence in Japan are required to sign and submit the Written Pledge when entering Japan.

Recommended Border App

• Yes

• Travellers must install the applications (the contact confirmation application (COCOA), the location confirmation application (OEL), the video calling application (Skype or WhatsApp) designated by MHLW. Travellers may check this link for the complete list of applications required and links to the same.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• International flights are operating with reduced frequency.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Japan restricts arrival airports for passenger flights from China or the Republic of Korea to Narita International Airport (NRT) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) only.

Border restrictions

• Significant

• Most foreign nationals are banned from entering Japan. Japan is not open to tourism. Japanese nationals and foreigners living in Japan are permitted to return to Japan subject to strict entry restrictions.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• A State of Emergency is in place in the Tokyo Metropolis and in Okinawa Prefecture until at least 22 August. This entails the enforcement of additional COVID-19 related restrictions in the areas.

• Authorities in prefectures and municipal wards may enforce local restrictions.

Social restrictions

• Minimal

• Gatherings of up to 5,000 people will be allowed at major events.

• Indoor facilities are allowed to open with limited capacity, and outdoor venues must adhere to strict social distancing protocols.

• Authorities may impose limitations on gatherings and other large events due to COVID-19 outbreaks. Authorities in prefectures and municipal wards may enforce local restrictions.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Travellers are asked to avoid using public transportation.

• All domestic travel restrictions have been lifted. However, authorities may suspend domestic travel in regions where COVID-19 infections are high.

• Buses, taxis, and trains are currently operating at a reduced capacity.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All essential and non-essential shops are open. Authorities in prefectures and municipal wards may enforce local restrictions.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with strict social distancing guidelines.

• In prefectures where a state of emergency or quasi-state of emergency is in effect, restaurants cannot serve alcohol and must close by 20:00.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars, karaoke bars, and cafes are open.

• In prefectures where a state of emergency or quasi-state of emergency is in effect, bars and cafes cannot serve alcohol and must close by 20:00.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open.

• Domestic tourism has resumed. International tourism is not permitted.

Museums and heritage sites open?

• Yes

• Museums and heritage are open.

*Personal care services open? *

• Yes

• Personal care services are allowed to open.

Events allowed?

• Yes

• Professional baseball and soccer leagues are permitted with a maximum of 5,000 spectators, or 50 percent of stadium capacity, whichever is less.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Use of face masks and maintaining physical distance are mandatory in public places.

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practise social distancing, maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.