This article was published on February 7, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.
Can I enter Japan?
As of January 2022, Japan has some of the tightest COVID-19 restrictions in the world. Travel for tourism is banned for travelers from over 150 countries. Please check the information presented below to find out if you can enter Japan now. Note that all data concerning travel documents will be applicable after restrictions expire.
The first thing all travelers have to do when going to Japan is to complete the Japan Health Declaration and sign and submit the Written Pledge. The next steps depend on your vaccination status and origin.
Can I enter Japan if I am vaccinated?
Vaccinated travelers can enter Japan. You have to complete the vaccination course at least 14 days before entering Japan to be considered fully vaccinated.
Presently, there are three vaccines approved in Japan:
- Comirnaty / Pfizer
- AstraZeneca / Vaxzervia
- Moderna
Travel documents if I am vaccinated
If you are vaccinated, present both documents:
- A negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arriving in Japan
- A vaccination certificate
The certificate must be issued in English or Japanese and contain the following data:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Date of vaccination
- The numbers of covid vaccine doses
- Product name / Manufacturer of the vaccine(s)
Can I enter Japan if I am unvaccinated?
Unvaccinated travelers can enter Japan.
Travel documents if I am unvaccinated
If you are unvaccinated, you have to present one of the following documents:
- Proof of recovery from COVID-19 (PCR or antigen test) dated at least 11 days and less than six months
- A negative PCR test less than 72 hours or an antigen test less than 48 hours old before arriving
Who cannot enter Japan?
Travelers from the following countries are not permitted to enter Japan for tourism:
Asia
- Bangladesh
- Bhutan
- Cambodia
- India
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mongolia
- Myanmar
- Nepal
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Timor-Leste
Oceania
- Fiji
North America
- Canada
- USA
Latin America and the Caribbean
- Argentine
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Chile
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominica
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Grenada
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Haiti
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Saint Christopher and Nevis
- Saint Vincent
- The Grenadines
- Saint Lucia
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
Europe
- Albania
- Andorra
- Armenia
- Austria
- Azerbaijan
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Kosovo
- Kyrgyz
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- Uzbekistan
- Vatican
Middle East
- Afghanistan
- Bahrain
- Israel
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jorda
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Palestine
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
Africa
- Algeria
- Angola
- Botswana
- Cabo Verde
- Cameroon
- Central Africa
- Comoros
- Cote d’ivoire
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eswatini
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Republic of Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- South Africa
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tunisia
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
The following tourists are exempt from entry prohibition:
- Travelers who have stayed in the countries for a short period (for example, refueling or transit)
- Japanese citizens and foreigners with the status of residents
Can I leave Japan?
You can leave Japan. COVID-19-related restrictions on travel from Japan are considered recommendations. The Ministry of Health is still asking people to refrain from traveling for non-essential purposes.
Travel documents if I am vaccinated
- A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19 in paper or electronic format
Please ensure to learn the requirements about showing your negative test result for your destination in advance. Some countries, like the USA, demand such tests.
Travel documents if I am unvaccinated
- A certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (no more than 180 days old before the day of crossing the border of a particular country)
- A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of the destination country)
COVID-19 situation in Japan currently
The Japanese authorities have been strict in terms of the COVID-19 situation and adopted several tight regulations.
FAQs
Is it safe to travel to Japan right now?
- Despite more than 77% of the total Japanese population have been fully vaccinated, the following conditions still apply:
- Wearing masks indoors is mandatory
- Restaurants close earlier
- Large events are banned
Is Tokyo open for travel?
- Presently, Tokyo is open for travelers. Despite a number of COVID-19-related restrictions, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of the Japanese capital.
Do I have to quarantine if I go to Japan?
As of April 2022, a mandatory quarantine is required for travelers (mostly, Japanese residents) arriving from the following countries:
Unvaccinated arrivals have to undergo a three-day quarantine in the designated place with a subsequent obligatory COVID-19 test on day three.
Vaccinated arrivals may evade quarantine in the designated place. However, a seven-day self-isolation at home is still mandatory with a possibility to terminate it earlier by testing on day three.
How do I get a health pass to travel to Japan?
- You can use the Japan Health Declaration as a health pass upon your arrival in Japan. However, the QR code is only valid for 14 days. If you stay for more than 14 days, you can use your printed paper documents.
