After a long-lasting new entry ban, Japan finally started letting some of new entries in from November. Entry to Japan is limited to specific purposes, but anyway, Japan made a first step to ease the entry ban in consideration of the increased vaccination rates and the decline in the number of new cases of COVID-19. Also, the conditions of self-isolation for Japanese citizens and visa holders returning to Japan who had been permitted to enter Japan have been eased further, depending on the areas they stayed and their vaccination status.
Person who is permitted to enter Japan
As border controls measures under the COVID-19 crisis, Japan has banned all entries other than Japanese citizens and visa holders returning to Japan. As a result, many people who already had gotten new visas such as technical trainees or international students were forced to wait in their countries. From November 2021, short term visitors for business purpose and long-term residents are permitted if they meet the conditions. The category of people who are permitted to enter Japan is as follows.
- Japanese citizens returning to Japan
- Foreign nationals with re-entry permission
- Valid short-term visa holders for business purpose (under action controls by accepting entities)
- Valid long-term visa holders (under action controls by accepting entities: e.g., technical trainees, international students)
Conditions to enter Japan
- COVID-19 negative test result issued within 72 hours before departure
- Negative PCT test result at the arrival to Japan (at the airport)
- Use of public transport is prohibited. You will have to arrange your own transportation method to go to your accommodation such as a rental/private car.
Reduction of quarantine period for vac-certificate holders (only travelers from specific countries/areas)
Before November 2021, all travelers who enter Japan, even citizens and valid visa holders, had to self-isolate at home or designated facility for 14 days, or stay at quarantine facility in an airport then move to self-isolation at home or other facility, depending on the countries they had stayed. From November, you may be allowed to spend shorter quarantine period if you submit a certificate that proves you have been vaccinated twice.
Reduction of 14-day quarantine period at home/other facility
People entering or returning to Japan from “countries/regions that are NOT subject to self-isolation at a designated facility, or that ARE subject to 3-day self-isolation at a designated facility” who have a valid vaccination certificate and a negative PCR test result tested on the 10th day or later from their arrival are exempt from the rest of quarantine period by submitting these results to the MHLW (Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants).
Exemption from 3-day waiting period at an airport
People entering or returning to Japan from “countries/regions that ARE subject to 3-day self-isolation at a designated facility” who have a valid vaccination certificate are exempt from this measure (they still have to do self-quarantine).
Note) You may not be eligible for these easing measures when the quarantine or the PHC determined so, even though you meet all the above conditions. Also, close contacts of people infected with coronavirus are not eligible.
The following table is provided by the MHLW
(1) Countries/regions that are NOT subject to self-isolation at a designated facility
(2) Countries/regions that ARE subject to 3-day self-isolation at a designated facility
Note) You can check whether the country/region you stayed within 14 days before your arrival to Japan is subject to waiting at a designated facility on the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Criteria of valid vaccination certificate
- A vaccination certificate must be issued by the public institution designated by the Japanese government
- Applicant’s name, DOB, the name of vaccine and manufacturer, date of vaccination, number of vaccinations must be printed in Japanese or English
- Type of vaccine/manufacturer must be either of the following and defined clearly: Comirnaty/Pfizer, Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca, COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna/Moderna
- You must be vaccinated twice with either of above vaccines, and vaccination history must me clearly stated
- It must be at least 14 days from the second vaccination date as of the arrival to Japan
New entries or people entering or returning to Japan from 6-day waiting countries
There is no reduction of quarantine period for travelers from countries/regions that ARE subject to 3-day self-isolation at a designated facility. However, they are still allowed to newly enter Japan if their accepting organizations is properly accessed by the official authority and provide action management for them.
Note) You can check whether the country/region you stayed within 14 days before your arrival to Japan is subject to waiting at a designated facility on the website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Stay safe in Japan!
2021 was the year that vaccination campaigns were propelled at a high pace. The vaccination rate of Japan has reached 75%, which is quite high. As a result, the government has started to open the country’s border little by little. To begin with, acceptance of new entries has commenced. An entry for the purpose of tourism is still prohibited, though, this is a big step ahead. But note that the COVID-19 is still around, so COVID-19 negative status is one of the essential conditions. Therefore, carefully maintain your health and get a COVID negative certificate before you leave your country.
