photo by Jernej Furman
Finally, the spread of delta variant showed a sign for slowing down as the vaccination rates raised. Then now what, the omicron variant. This new variant forced the entire world back to a state of alert. Japan also announced the restriction of new entries straight away, and this condition is expected to last for a while. This is an unfortunate news for everyone who is waiting overseas to enter Japan. At the moment, the restriction on new entry will be in effect for another month. So, let’s revise what we will need to prepare when Japan opens is boarder next time.
1. Valid copy of vaccination certificate
The first thing you need to get before departing your country is a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate. You are required to be completed the second vaccination which is approved by the Japanese government (the Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines). You will need to hand in a copy of the certificate at immigration clearance. Your certificate must include all the information designated by the Japanese government (issuing authority, type of vaccines, etc.) and language. Check the MHLW website for more details and request the issuing authority of your country to include all the required information before traveling to Japan.
2. Negative COVID-19 test result issued within 72 hours before departure
Secondly, you need to have a negative test result of COVID-19. This must be issued within 72 hours before your planned departure time. The test result must be issued by an authorized medical institution in your country according the format approved by the Japanese government. Also, there is an requirement for testing method and language. The requirements for a COVID-19 test result is available on the MHLW website.
3. Mobile phone which can be used in Japan
Once you are permitted to enter Japan, you will need a mobile phone straight away, as you are required to install COCOA app, the COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application. While you are self-isolating for a designated period of time according to the country you departed from, you are required to use the COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application. Also, you will need a SIM card valid in Japan, as you are required to answer a phone call from the public health center to check your self-isolation status. You will be able to download the app and purchase a SIM card at airport, but it is better to get them beforehand, since you will have many things to deal with after entering Japan. If you don’t have a mobile phone that you can use in Japan, rental phones are available (Fee will be charged).
4. Screenshot or print out QR code of Questionnaire
After arriving in Japan, you will need to hand in a questionnaire to a quarantine officer. In addition to a usual yellow form you get in the airplane, you are required to provide information such as travel history, health status, and contact in Japan. Japan still requires all travelers to self-isolate after their arrival, and the public health center will contact you during the quarantine period based on the provided information to check your health status. This form can be filled after you enter Japan, but it is a good idea to fill in this form beforehand as it takes for a while to fill in.
Download and example of questionnaire
5. Book transport to home/accommodation in Japan
People who arrive in Japan, no matter of their nationalities, are required to self-isolate for 10 to 14 days at home or other accommodation. You must use a private transport, such as a private vehicle, from the airport to your accommodation without using any type of public transport. If you have no one to pick you up from the airport, a rental car will be the only option. But most rental car counters at airports are open for shortened trading hours at the moment. Therefore, you may need to book a rental car before you depart your country and inquire the rental car company how to pick up the car. If you are arriving in Japan early in the morning or late at night, you may have to pick up a car without seeing rental car company staff.
Get ready to go to Japan!
There are a few forms to submit and procedures to follow after arriving Japan even when there was no COVID-19. Now, under this COVID-19 crisis, we have to submit more forms and get more things prepared before departing for Japan. Some of the documents mentioned in this column may be required to board on an airplane (vaccination certificate, negative test result, etc.) and you have to get them ready a while before your trip to Japan. Airports in Japan are quiet now, but you need more time to pass an immigration and quarantine inspection because of social distancing and other procedures. So, get all the requirements ready in order to save time after arriving in Japan.
