Chloe Ramirez
As of 2023, there are no COVID-related entry requirements for Japan. You do not need to be vaccinated or provide a negative COVID test to enter the country. However, you can use the Visit Japan Web app or website to record your vaccination or test information, as well as your immigration and customs declarations, to ensure a smoother entry process. Japan has also reintroduced visa-free travel for tourists, allowing independent tourists to freely enter and travel within the country.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do you need to be vaccinated to enter Japan? | No |
| Do you need a negative Covid test to enter Japan? | No |
| Do you need to wear a mask indoors in Japan? | No, but some shops and restaurants may still ask that you do |
| Is there a cap on daily arrivals in Japan? | No |
| Do you need a visa to enter Japan? | No |
| Do you need to fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration upon arrival in Japan? | Yes, unless you use the Visit Japan Web app |
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What You'll Learn
There are currently no vaccination requirements to enter Japan
As of September 2025, there are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for entry to Japan. This means that you do not need to be vaccinated with any COVID-19 vaccine to enter Japan. Additionally, there is no need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry.
However, it is recommended that you use the Visit Japan Web app or website to record your vaccination or test information, as well as your immigration and customs declarations, to ensure a smoother entry process. This app is not mandatory, and you can always fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration upon arrival.
Japan has also dropped its indoor masking recommendation as of March 13, 2023. While it is no longer mandatory to wear a mask in stores, restaurants, attractions, and on public transport, some establishments may still request that you do so.
Japan reintroduced visa-free travel for tourists starting October 11, 2022, allowing independent tourists to enter and travel freely within the country without applying for a visa in advance. This has made it much easier for individuals to plan their own trips to Japan and book their own flights, hotels, and tours.
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, now is a great time to start planning your trip to Japan and taking care of the necessary arrangements, such as booking accommodations and transportation, purchasing travel insurance, and exploring walking tours or rail passes to enhance your visit.
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Japan's reopening to tourists has been slow
In September 2022, Japan eased its restrictions further, increasing the cap on daily tourist arrivals to 50,000 and allowing tourists from the UK to visit without a guide. However, independent travel was still restricted.
Finally, on October 11, 2022, Japan fully reopened to tourists, reintroducing visa-free travel and allowing independent tourists to freely enter and travel within the country. This date also marked the launch of a nationwide travel discount program offering incentives such as discounted attraction entry and reimbursements for hotel stays.
While Japan has dropped all COVID-19 protocols as of 2023, the country still recommends the use of the Visit Japan Web app or the 99-page PDF guide for a smoother entry process.
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The country categorises countries as 'blue', 'yellow', or 'red'
As of 2023, there are no COVID-related entry restrictions for tourists visiting Japan. This means that visitors do not need to be vaccinated against COVID or present a negative COVID test upon arrival. However, it is recommended to use the Visit Japan Web service or app to record their vaccination or test information, as this can facilitate a smoother entry process. The app can also be used to upload immigration and customs details in advance, although this is not mandatory. Alternatively, these details can be filled out on paper arrival cards and customs declarations upon arrival.
The country's reopening to tourism has been a gradual process. In June 2022, Japan initially reopened to a limited number of leisure travellers, who were required to enter under a special visa and book their travel through an approved tour operator. Then, in late October 2022, Japan lifted the cap on leisure travellers and removed the visa and tour operator requirements, allowing individual tourists to enter the country independently. At this time, fully vaccinated travellers were also exempt from the pre-departure COVID-19 test requirement.
Japan categorises countries as blue, yellow, or red to indicate different levels of COVID-related restrictions and requirements for incoming travellers. It is important to review the latest guidance from the Japanese government to understand the specific measures associated with each category and how they may impact your travel plans. The categorisations can change over time as the pandemic situation evolves, so staying informed is essential.
For blue countries, Japan imposes minimal or no restrictions on incoming travellers. Travellers from these countries may not be required to undergo COVID testing before departure or upon arrival and may not need to quarantine. However, it is still recommended to follow general preventive measures, such as wearing masks and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Yellow countries are those that Japan considers to have a moderate risk of COVID-19 transmission. Travellers from these countries may be subject to additional measures, such as providing proof of a negative COVID test before departure or undergoing testing upon arrival. They may also be required to self-isolate or quarantine for a specified period, depending on the specific rules in effect at the time of their travel.
Red countries are deemed to have a high risk of COVID-19 transmission. For travellers coming from these countries, Japan may enforce stricter measures, including mandatory COVID testing and a longer quarantine period. The duration and specifics of the quarantine requirements can vary, and travellers may need to self-isolate at designated facilities or their own accommodation, depending on the circumstances.
It is essential to stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines provided by the Japanese government regarding travel restrictions and COVID-19 measures. While the situation has improved significantly, allowing for the relaxation of some rules, staying vigilant and adhering to the recommended protocols are crucial steps towards ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience in Japan.
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You can record vaccination info on 'Visit Japan Web'
As of April 2023, all passengers travelling to Japan must submit their vaccination information or a negative COVID-19 test certificate to the Japanese authorities before departure via the Visit Japan Web site. This online system is expected to reduce the risk of infection and help compensate for staff shortages at airport facilities.
The Visit Japan Web service is accessible from any modern web browser and can be used by anyone entering Japan, including overseas visitors and Japanese nationals. To use the service, you must first sign up using your email address and log in with the password sent to your email. You will then be required to fill out basic pre-travel information, including your name, date of birth, and passport number.
The form will ask for your vaccination information or test result certificate. Currently, recognised vaccines in Japan include Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. If you have received three shots of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, you will not need to submit a negative PCR test to enter Japan. However, non-vaccinated travellers or those who have not yet received a booster shot must provide a negative PCR test.
Once your test results have been verified, immigration authorities will authorise you to proceed with your pre-approved travel plans. It is important to keep copies of your vaccination records with you during your travel to Japan.
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Non-vaccinated travellers may need to submit a negative PCR test
As of 2023, there are no COVID-related entry restrictions for travellers to Japan. Non-vaccinated travellers do not need to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country. However, it is recommended that travellers use the Visit Japan Web service to record their vaccination or test information for a smoother entry. This service allows travellers to upload their immigration and customs details in advance, creating a QR code that can be used at immigration. Alternatively, travellers can fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration upon arrival.
Prior to these changes, Japan had specific requirements for non-vaccinated travellers. Previously, non-vaccinated travellers were required to submit a negative PCR test to enter the country. This requirement was in place during the country's phased reopening, which began in June 2022 and allowed foreign tourists to enter on group trips or private tours. During this time, travellers who had received three shots of an approved COVID-19 vaccine were exempt from the negative PCR test requirement.
The shift in Japan's entry requirements reflects the country's gradual reopening to international visitors. Initially, tourists were only allowed entry under a special visa arranged by an approved tour operator. The limit on leisure travellers and the visa requirement were lifted on October 11, 2022, allowing individual tourists to enter the country independently. However, even after the visa requirement was lifted, vaccination and testing requirements remained in place for a period before eventually being lifted in 2023.
It is important to note that while there are no COVID-related entry restrictions in Japan as of 2023, travellers should stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines. Requirements can change, and staying informed ensures a smooth travel experience. Additionally, while masks are no longer mandatory in indoor spaces as of March 13, 2023, some shops and restaurants may still request that visitors wear them.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2022, Japan required travellers to be fully vaccinated or have a recent PCR-RT test. Non-vaccinated travellers were required to submit a negative PCR test. However, there are currently no COVID-19 testing, proof of vaccination, or quarantine requirements to enter Japan.
You can record your vaccination or test information on the Visit Japan Web service. This will provide you with a QR code to use at immigration.
Yes, you may also need to fill out a disembarkation card or customs form online. You can do this on the Visit Japan Web service.
