Latest News: Authorities ban flights from 152 countries (News Inernational, 12.05.2021). Third state of emergency extended, expanded; restrictions continue in several prefectures (OSAC, 10.05.2021).
International Restrictions:
*Entry to Japan: The re-entry into Japan of foreign nationals with status of residence who have stayed in these countries within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied, unless there are special exceptional circumstances.
Foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan for work or study but do not have existing resident status and who have visited the UK or this list of countries in the past 14 days are currently not permitted to enter until further notice, other than in exceptional circumstances. This guidance also applies to foreign nationals in possession of visas issued under the previous individual and Global Residence Tracks.
Other entry to Japan on a short-term basis, such as for business, tourism or to visit family, continues to be denied other than in exceptional circumstances. Business Tracks with all countries/regions have also been suspended until further notice. Japan has also introduced caps on the numbers of people able to arrive by plane, and bookings on some routes have therefore been suspended. Check with your airline.
Further details are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or via Japan’s Visa Information Hotline on +44 (0)800 041 8412. Alternatively, contact your nearest Japanese Embassy for more information, including if you believe you qualify for exceptional circumstances.
Under the Quarantine Act, all those entering Japan currently need to provide written evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result conducted within the 72 hours before their flight departure time. Details of the format are available on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. You should not use the You should arrange to take a private test.
*Re-entry to Japan: British nationals with Status of Residence in Japan and who leave or have left Japan with a valid re-entry permit are allowed to re-enter Japan. However, you will need to follow appropriate arrival and quarantine rules as set out below, and provide written evidence of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the 72 hours before your flight departure time. You should check the Japanese government’s advice on this re-entry process on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and the Ministry of Justice website (in Japanese).
Japan has also introduced caps on the number of people able to arrive by plane, and bookings on some routes have therefore been suspended. You should check with your airline if unsure. Those who do not have a valid re-entry permit will in principle be denied re-entry; please consult the Japanese authorities for advice.
*Testing/screening on arrival: All passengers arriving in Japan are required to complete a health questionnaire before disembarkation, including contact details. They are then required to undergo a COVID-19 test at the airport. You will be asked to wait for the test results at the airport before moving to your accommodation.
*Quarantine requirements: Travellers coming from the UK or this list of countries (see ‘Note 1’ under part 2 of sub-heading ‘2. Quarantine Measures’) are requested to spend 3 days in self-isolation at a government-provided facility, with a further COVID-19 test on the third day. If the test is negative they will be allowed to continue 14 days’ self-isolation as set out below.
All passengers arriving in Japan from this list of countries, as well as those countries which were part of individual Business and Residence Tracks until recently, are required to sign a pledge confirming that they will self-isolate for 14 days on arrival at a designated location (such as a hotel or their own home). This pledge will also ask individuals to refrain from using public transport; install Japan’s COVID-19 tracing app; maintain location data for 14 days via their smartphone mapping application; and agree to disclose location data if requested by the quarantine authority.
Failure to comply with these requests could lead to an individual being subject to detention under the Quarantine Act. It could also lead to their name and relevant information related to reducing the spread of infection being released; and for foreign nationals, possible revocation of their status of residence and subsequent deportation. If someone does not wish to sign this pledge, they will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days at a place designated by the quarantine authority. These measures will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
More details on Japan’s current quarantine rules are available here. New measures may also be brought in at short notice for travel from other countries.
*Transiting Japan: The measures listed above do not apply to passengers who are transiting through one Japanese airport and do not go through immigration. If you are transiting using different airports you will need a transit permit on arrival.
To get one you will be required to demonstrate that you have not come from a country on the banned list, that you have timely onward travel plans, and that you will not use public transport to move between airports; this includes taxis. You should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. You should also check the latest entry requirements for your destination.
Internal Restrictions:
*Travel in Japan: A State of Emergency is in place in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, Okayama and Hiroshima prefectures until 31 May. Other prefectures also have restrictions in place. Some businesses will be closed; others may continue to operate with reduced hours. Measures encouraging social distancing, wearing masks in public, avoiding closed spaces, and other basic precautions remain in place. Controls may be further strengthened as necessary. You should follow the instructions of your local authority.
Local authorities may also put in place special measures for natural disaster response, including additional evacuation locations and medical procedures. See Natural disasters for more information on general disaster preparedness in Japan.