Travellers entering Japan from China (excluding Hong Kong and Macao)

From 1 March 2023, passengers arriving via a direct flight from China, are required to submit a certificate showing a negative result of an approved COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departure. A random sample of travellers will be asked to take a COVID test upon arrival into Japan. For further details visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website.

All travellers

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites have details of the entry requirements for all travellers to Japan, including the ‘fast track’ entry system. Rules may be subject to change at short notice.

As part of travelling to Japan, you must submit information to the Japanese authorities before you fly via the Visit Japan Web site.

For arrivals who are triple-vaccinated, there is no longer a requirement to have a COVID-19 test before you fly. You will need to show a valid certificate confirming at least three vaccinations with any of the COVID-19 vaccines on the Emergency Use List of the World Health Organization (WHO). Some airlines may require these documents to be shown before boarding as part of their internal rules.

Further details can be found in the section on vaccination status below, on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website including the Q&A

Bookings on some flight routes have been restricted or suspended due to COVID-19. Flight length and routing may also be impacted by the current situation in Ukraine.

It is illegal to work in Japan without the correct visa, however informal or temporary the work. You shouldn’t overstay your permission to remain in the country, as you risk arrest, detention and a heavy fine.

The visa waiver system was reactivated from 11 October, which means that short-term visitors with British citizen passports no longer need to obtain a visa prior to travelling. This includes those coming for business, tourism, and to visit family and friends. Visas are still required for long-term stays and other purposes; please consult your nearest Japanese Consulate for guidance and how to apply.

Vaccination requirements

If you are triple vaccinated

Then you do not require a negative PCR test before flying. Valid certificates must be shown to prove vaccination with three doses of any of the COVID-19 vaccines on the Emergency Use List of the World Health Organization (WHO).

If you are not triple vaccinated

There is no requirement to be vaccinated in order to enter Japan, however if you cannot prove you are triple-vaccinated with any of the COVID-19 vaccines on the Emergency Use List of the World Health Organization (WHO), then you must take a PCR test within 72 hours before your flight and show a negative certificate in the approved format.

Proof of vaccination status

You can use the UK COVID Pass to demonstrate your vaccination record to the Japanese authorities. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is not designed to be used as proof of vaccination and should not be used to demonstrate your vaccination status. Residents in Japan should obtain a letter from the city or ward office before travelling.

If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past year

Proof of prior infection does not afford exemptions. You must follow the rules and regulations outlined above.

Children and young people

Children under 18, provided they are accompanied by a triple-vaccinated parent or legal guardian who supervises their activities, may follow the same rules as their parent even if the child is not triple-vaccinated. Minors who are not accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, for example those travelling with other family members or as part of a student group, must be triple-vaccinated or show a negative pre-flight PCR test in the same way as adults. Please contact your nearest Japanese Consulate if you require further guidance on this point.

If you’re transiting through Japan

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

The COVID-19 regulations and requirements outlined above do not apply to passengers who are transiting through one Japanese airport and do not go through immigration. However, transit may be precluded by airport closures, movement between terminals and delays between arriving and departing flights. Check with your airline whether your connection is feasible before boarding a flight to Japan.

When transiting through Japan, you should comply with any additional screening measures put in place by the authorities. You should also check the latest entry requirements for your final destination.

Exemptions

You should contact your nearest Japanese Embassy for more information on exemptions.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

If you are visiting Japan, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Medication

The use or possession of some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines is banned under Japan’s strictly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law. This includes Vicks inhalers, medicines for allergies and sinus problems, cold and flu medication containing Pseudoephedrine and even some over-the-counter painkillers like those containing codeine. Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for offences. You should check the status of your medication with the nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

If you are travelling with prescription medication that is permitted under Japanese law, you are normally allowed to bring in up to one month’s supply. You are advised to bring a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating the medical condition that the medication has been prescribed to treat. For more guidance on travelling with medication, check information pages from NHS Choices and the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) in our foreign travel checklist.

If you need prescription medicine for long-term use, you may need to provide extra paperwork, such as an import licence. The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website provides information about bringing medication for personal use.