COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Japan (23 November Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

• Yes

• Residents and citizens are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

• Yes with exceptions

• Foreign residents are allowed to enter the country.

• Travellers and aircrew who have stayed or transited through certain countries in the last 14 days are not permitted to enter Japan. The list of these countries is provided here.

• Travellers from Cambodia, Malaysia, and Singapore may enter the country for business or essential purposes.

Is transit allowed through the country?

• Yes

• Travellers are allowed to transit through different airports in Japan. They must have a transit permit on arrival if transiting through more than one airport to reach their destination.

Is a test required on arrival?

• Yes

• All citizens or residents entering Japan are subject to a mandatory COVID-19 PCR test upon their arrival. Passengers must wait for the test results at the airport before moving to designated accommodations.

Is a test certificate allowed?

• Yes

• Test certificates obtained outside of Japan are accepted.

Test certificate required?

• Yes

• Travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result certificate issued no more than 72 hours before their flight departure time.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

• Yes

• All travellers arriving in Japan must quarantine for 14 days.

Entry Form?

• Yes

• A completed ‘Quarantine Questionnaire’ must be presented upon arrival.

Airline restrictions

• Moderate

• Some international airlines are operating with reduced frequency.

• Domestic flights are operating.

• Chubu Airport in Central Japan has resumed limited international flights.

Border restrictions

• Moderate

• Foreign nationals travelling to Japan for study, work or to join family must meet necessary visa requirements. Foreign persons wishing to visit for short-term business purposes are authorized to enter, however, must have a visa.

• Japanese authorities allow the entry of foreign nationals, including international students and workers with a valid re-entry visa, who left Japan before the imposition of an entry ban.

• Japan has reopened borders with Singapore for short-term business travel.

• The authorities have suspended single and multiple entry visas issued by Japanese embassies and consulates in many countries. Anyone arriving in Japan without a valid visa will not be allowed to enter.

• From 1 November, travellers do not need to apply to the Immigration Services Agency before departure or receive a Re-entry Confirmation Letter, however, will have to show a valid re-entry permit.

• Japan will allow athletes to enter from all countries for competition or training in the run-up to next summer’s Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Curfew restrictions

• Moderate

• The public health emergency has extended to the end of this year.

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

  • The Hokkaido Prefectural Government raised its COVID-19 alert level to Stage Three on a five-stage scale on November 7. Residents have been asked to avoid restaurants that serve alcohol at 22:00 in Sapporo’s Susukino entertainment district. The government has also required that certain businesses, including host/hostess clubs and bars, to close by 22:00, and to stop serving alcohol by 22:00.

Social distancing restrictions

• Minimal

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

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

• Authorities may impose limitations in gatherings and other large events due to covid-19 outbreak.

Internal travel restrictions

• Moderate

• Masks are required.

• Travellers are asked not to use public transportation.

• All domestic travel restrictions have been lifted.

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

• Authorities may suspend domestic travel campaign where covid-19 infections are high.

Non-essential shops open?

• Yes

• All essential and non-essential shops are open.

Accommodations open?

• Yes

• Accommodations are open.

Restaurants open?

• Yes

• Restaurants are open with strict social distancing guidelines.

Bars and cafes open?

• Yes

• Bars, karaoke bars, and cafes are open.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

• Yes

• Beaches are open.

• Domestic tourism has resumed.

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 per cent of stadium capacity, whichever is less.

Masks required in public?

• Yes

• Use of face masks and maintaining physical distancing is mandatory in public places.

Advice

The COVID-19 epidemic is changing constantly worldwide. This information is subject to change as the situation evolves. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Some countries are beginning to remove some restrictions gradually. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country’s embassy for information on your specific travel plans.