Here’s everything you need to know if you plan to travel to Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The basics
Japan is making progress towards reopening its doors to tourists in summer 2022.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared that international travel groups will be permitted to enter Japan starting June 10th. The number of daily arrivals is expected to rise from 10,000 to 20,000.
This is a move that follows the country’s trial of small-group tours for triple-vaccinated tourists from Australia and the United States. All participants were accompanied by guides, and are not allowed to travel on their own or explore outside of the planned itineraries.
According to the Japanese ministry of foreign affairs, the latest measures will see countries or regions divided into three groups according to their infection rates. Entry requirements for those arriving from low-risk destinations will be less strict.
These “test” groups were created to assist the Japanese government and the official tourism body in deciding on a roadmap for a larger reopening before 2022.
The trip of a group from Thailand was cancelled after a member of the group tested positive for Covid. The national tourism regulations were not changed and no other groups were affected.
You can find a complete list of countries that citizens are allowed to enter under the current regulations here.
What’s on the menu?
Japan is a fascinating mix of traditional and cutting-edge, which makes it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. This country leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits it, whether they are participating in traditional tea ceremonies in Kyoto or exploring Tokyo’s Akihabara district looking for tech bargains.
Who can go?
Japan has some of most restrictive travel restrictions in the world, but plans to reopen to smaller groups of leisure travelers in June 2022.
If this happens, individuals from low-infection countries will be exempted from being tested upon their arrival at Japanese airports and not required to be quarantined.
For the most current information, consult MOFA.
What are the restrictions?
Japan’s revised business travel rules require that all travelers provide proof of a negative test for PCR within 72 hours of departing, and be signed and stamped at the laboratory. They will not be required to self-isolate but will need to report details about their travels over the next two weeks.
International travel groups will be allowed to enter the country starting June 10. There will be less strict restrictions for travelers from low-risk countries.
These countries are Brazil, Canada and India as well as Israel, Mauritius (Mexico), Mexico, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United States. For more information, see the MOFA’s List.
What is the Covid situation?
Japan had over 8.8 millions confirmed cases and 30580 deaths as of June 1.
Japan’s health ministry announced that prefectures will be able to allow younger patients at lower risk to self-administer their antigen tests and begin isolating at home, without waiting for a diagnosis.
Patients had to register as Covid-19 patients by their doctor. The doctor reported every new case to government. Patients will be able to contact their local public health centers if the new policy is adopted.
This is a measure to decrease the number of people who visit hospitals and health centres.
Japan may follow the lead of Israel by encouraging older people to receive a fourth vaccine shot. Although the government health ministry ordered additional shots from Moderna, Pfizer to help roll out this program, there is no set date.
What can visitors look forward to?
Although Japan is open for business in large parts, the cities are quieter than normal. The government can request that businesses be closed in areas with high transmission. Public places must not be entered without a mask.
Useful Links
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan Tourist Board
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