[Latest Update] Japan Travel Restrictions as of March 2023
Last year, Japan made several changes to its border measures that have effectively re-opened the country to all international travel as of October 11, 2022. However, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in China, the Japanese government has implemented additional restrictions for travelers from China, effective as of January 8, 2023.
[NEW] As of March 1, 2023, the Japanese government has partially revised its entry restrictions for travelers from China.
Find out more about the latest updates below:
*The following information is as of March 14, 2023.
Index
[Updated] Restrictions on Travelers from China
Entry restrictions for all travelers
Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test
[Updated March 2023] Restrictions on Travelers from China :
On-Arrival Testing – No longer required for all travelers
Proof of Negative COVID-19 Test – Still Required
As of March 1, mandatory on-arrival COVID testing for all travelers arriving in Japan on a direct flight from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau) has been lifted. However, up to 20% of all entrants may be selected for on-arrival testing. The selected travelers will not be required to stay within the airport to wait for the result. If they test positive, they will be asked to self-quarantine instead of being mandatorily admitted to a designated quarantine facility.
However, regardless of their vaccination status, all travelers entering Japan via a direct flight from mainland China must submit proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure.
EXCEPTION: Travelers arriving in Japan on a direct flight from Macau:
All entrants from Macau must provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate showing three doses OR a certificate of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to their departure from Macau.
For all other international travelers arriving in Japan:
Entry Restrictions – NO Restrictions
There are currently no entry restrictions for all international travelers. Applications for the ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems) that were previously required are no longer required for new entries into Japan. Additionally, the measure that had previously limited the entry of foreign tourists to those on package tours has been lifted.
On-Arrival Testing – NOT Required
For all cross-border travelers, on-arrival testing at the quarantine station, self-quarantine in a designated location, and the restriction on using public transportation are no longer required (except for travelers from mainland China – see above.)
However, you will be tested on arrival if you have symptoms of COVID-19. If the test comes back positive, you will be required to stay in a designated quarantine facility for up to 7 days.
A Proof of Vaccination or Negative COVID Test – Required
All entrants will be required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) for vaccines on the Emergency Use List of the World Health Organization (WHO), or a certificate of negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to their departure from the original country or region.
Visa Exemption – Resumed
Visa exemption arrangements have also been resumed as of October 11, 2022. This means that individuals who are eligible for visa-free travel to Japan will once again be able to enter the country without obtaining a visa in advance.
Visa Validity – Restored
Another change that took effect on October 11, 2022 is the lifting of the suspension of visa validity. This means that visas that were previously suspended due to the border measures will now be valid again, provided that they have not expired or been otherwise invalidated.
What happens if I test positive at on-arrival testing?
If the on-arrival test comes back positive, you will be asked to self-quarantine. (Previously you were required to stay in a designated quarantine facility for up to 7 days.)
Conclusion
These changes to Japan’s border measures provide greater flexibility and convenience for foreign nationals looking to enter the country for tourism, business, and other activities.
However, to stay up-to-date on the latest border measures for foreign nationals entering Japan, it is recommended to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for the most current information. It is important to check for updates before making travel plans to ensure compliance with any applicable restrictions.
When you do plan to visit Japan, make sure to check out our articles on recommended travel destinations!
Sources:
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan – Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: COVID-19: Current Japanese Border Measures
*Information as of January 2023. This article does not guarantee the accuracy of the information contained within. Please refer to the sources for the latest and most accurate information before making travel plans.
