{"id":72421,"date":"2021-10-26T01:12:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-25T16:12:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/?p=72421"},"modified":"2024-02-27T14:37:21","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T05:37:21","slug":"coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 &amp; Japan Border Measures. Which travelers are concerned?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"note\"><strong>Disclaimer<\/strong>: We at Voyapon try to provide you with the most up-to-date information on Japan\u2019s travel regulations using reputable news reports and information directly from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. However, the situation is constantly changing, and our article should not be used as legal advice. Please get in touch with your nearest embassy or immigration bureau for the most recent information about your situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived: on October 11th, Japan <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/ca\/cp\/page22e_000925.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">officially dropped almost all the border restrictions<\/a> for foreign travelers, practically returning to pre-pandemic status. It had been over two and a half years since the last time normal travel to Japan was allowed for foreign tourists, and by that point, Japan was the only country pending finally catching up with the rest of the developed world. This past summer, Japanese authorities started to accept tourist visa applications on June 10, but with a series of caveats, like obligatory group tour closed packages through designated travel agencies and tourist visa application requirements. In the end, this <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asahi.com\/ajw\/articles\/14697819\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">proved to be a policy failure<\/a> since, unsurprisingly, the disappointingly <a href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/news\/html\/20220810\/k10013762631000.html\" class=\"ek-link\">low number of visitors<\/a> proved the obvious: most tourists prefer to travel without restrictions. To improve the situation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/09\/01\/national\/package-tours-restrictions-eased\/\" class=\"ek-link\">since September 7<\/a>, tourists were no longer forced to book group tours, but hotels and flights still had to be booked through travel agencies, and travelers were still required to apply for a tourist visa. In addition, the daily arrival cap was once again increased to 50,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But since October 11, the need for a tourist visa was scraped for all the countries that already had visa waiver programs with Japan before 2020, along with travel agency requirements and daily arrival caps. So what\u2019s the current situation? Keep reading for details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ht-block-toc  is-style-outline htoc htoc--position-wide toc-list-style-plain\" data-htoc-state=\"expanded\"><span class=\"htoc__title\"><span class=\"ht_toc_title\">Table of Contents<\/span><span class=\"htoc__toggle\"><\/span><\/span><div class=\"htoc__itemswrap\"><ul class=\"ht_toc_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#visa-application\">Visa procedures to enter Japan as of October 2022<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Guidelines-for-short-term-tourist-visitors\">Guidelines for short-term tourist visitors<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#Requirements-for-short-term-business-travelers-and-new-long-term-residents\">Requirements for short-term business travelers and new long-term residents<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#exceptions-to-the-rules\">Exceptions to the rules<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#actions-taken\">Actions to be taken before departure and upon arrival in Japan<\/a><ul class=\"ht_toc_child_list\"><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#PCR-test-on-arrival-may-be-waived-according-to-a-new-classification-system\">PCR test on arrival is no longer required<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#current-emergency-status-in-japan\">Current pandemic status in Japan<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#vaccination-rate-in-japan-and-implementation-of-vaccine-passports\">Vaccination rate in Japan and implementation of Vaccine Passports<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#japan-borders-open-tourists\">Visa-exempt travelers can travel to Japan from October 2022<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214807\/Coronavirus_KansaiAirport_01-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Kansai International Airport\" class=\"wp-image-72423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214807\/Coronavirus_KansaiAirport_01-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214807\/Coronavirus_KansaiAirport_01-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214807\/Coronavirus_KansaiAirport_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214807\/Coronavirus_KansaiAirport_01.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Kansai International Airport. The drastic drop in tourism in Japan has been felt across all areas during the year that was expected to have its best results. <strong>\u00a9<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/conifer\/38864853644\/in\/photolist-22dmwXw-2hgi63B-2jza7Ui-2iwj8Lx-23rXvy1-2ad3UMn-2hSSeCL-2jwyCoF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">&nbsp;Coniferconifer<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"visa-application\">Visa procedures to enter Japan as of October 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since March 2022, normal (pre-pandemic) visa applications for business trips or long-term stays were re-established either for work or study purposes. Short-term visitors from the list of 68 countries exempted from visas do not need special visa procedures starting October 11, 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Travelers in Atlanta Airport\" class=\"wp-image-72422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214800\/Coronavirus_AtlantaAirport_02.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed mask-wearing from a mainly Asian phenomenon into a global obligation in public spaces.&nbsp;<strong>\u00a9<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/146321178@N05\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Chad Davis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The &#8220;Business Track&#8221; or &#8220;Resident Track&#8221; available since July 2020 <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/ca\/cp\/page22e_000925.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>was suspended in January 2021<\/strong><\/a>. These two programs were open to some Asian countries in the summer of 2020, and on October 1, 2020, the worldwide citizen was incrementally permitted to enter Japan with the \u201cResident Track\u201d program if they fulfilled the required conditions. However, as of January 14, 2021, these two tracks have been suspended until further notice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Guidelines-for-short-term-tourist-visitors\">Guidelines for short-term tourist visitors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While entry requirements are now practically the same as before the pandemic and international visitors are now free to explore without special rules for accommodation or transportation, once inside the country, tourists are highly encouraged to comply with safety measures like wearing masks while indoors (masks <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/backstories\/2006\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">are not required<\/a> outdoors if there\u2019s enough physical distance from other people), constant sanitizing, and social distance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"724\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-1024x724.jpg\" alt=\"Wearing masks in Japan is something normal\" class=\"wp-image-83897\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-1024x724.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-500x354.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-1536x1086.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-2048x1448.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162327\/masks_japan-min-scaled.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>In Japan, masks are not compulsory but recommended. \u00a9&nbsp;<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/@stenuitj?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">J\u00e9r\u00e9my Stenuit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In case of a positive test, tourists should seek medical treatment and abide by the health guidelines from each local government.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"Requirements-for-short-term-business-travelers-and-new-long-term-residents\">Requirements for short-term business travelers and new long-term residents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting March 1, 2022, all new arrivals, whether they\u2019re short-term business travelers (under 90 days) or long-term residents holding a student or worker visa, must carry out the following steps when applying for a visa:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Their guarantor companies should submit an online application through the new <a href=\"https:\/\/entry.hco.mhlw.go.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"><strong>Entrants Returnees Follow-up System<\/strong><\/a><strong> <\/strong>(ERFS). After submitting this application, a \u201cCertificate for completion of registration\u201d is issued. A copy of this certificate should then be submitted along with the corresponding documents when applying for a visa.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Before departure, all cases must have a signed copy of the Written Pledge (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/content\/000863646.pdf\" class=\"ek-link\">English<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/content\/000863645.pdf\" class=\"ek-link\">Japanese<\/a> version).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As for those foreign nationals with a <strong>Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) issued after January 1, 2020<\/strong>, <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.moj.go.jp\/isa\/content\/930005023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">their validity as of June 2022 is extended<\/a> according to the following criteria as long as the sponsoring company\/organization is still able to sponsor the visa:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Certificates issued between January 1, 2020, and April 30, 2022: validity extended until October 31, 2022.<\/li><li>Certificates issued between May 1, 2022, and July 31, 2022: valid for six months from the issue date.<\/li><li>Certificates issued on or after August 1, 2022: valid for 3 months from the issue date.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Passengers warh a Korean Air airplane in Narita Airport\" class=\"wp-image-72424\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214814\/Coronavirus_KoreaAir_04.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Passengers observing a Korean Air aircraft in the transit area of Narita Airport. Air traffic restrictions are gradually being lifted as COVID-19 cases are referred.&nbsp;<strong>\u00a9<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/xurde\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Jorge D\u00edaz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"exceptions-to-the-rules\">Exceptions to the rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, those who qualify for the &#8220;Spouse or Child of Japanese national&#8221; and &#8220;Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident&#8221; visa categories will be exempt from the written pledge. Instead, they must submit a copy of relevant family records (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.) along with the COE at the time of application. As for those who fall under the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Credentials (EPA) category, a Certificate of Eligibility is not required at this time. Lastly, those traveling to Japan for diplomatic or official purposes will not be subjected to this list of procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"686\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-1024x686.jpg\" alt=\"Departures area in Narita Airport\" class=\"wp-image-72425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-500x335.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-900x604.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-600x403.jpg 600w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05-400x269.jpg 400w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/03214819\/Coronavirus_NaritaAirport_05.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Departures Area at Narita International Airport. The government is set on the progressive increase of tourism in Japan.&nbsp;<strong>\u00a9<\/strong>&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/mdlm\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">i nao<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"actions-taken\">Actions to be taken before departure and upon arrival in Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those travelers who have already received three vaccination doses must ensure their <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/stf\/covid-19\/border_vaccine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">vaccination certificates<\/a> are valid and up to date. Otherwise, a negative COVID-19 PCR <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/stf\/covid-19\/border_test.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">test certificate<\/a> must be presented within 72 hours before departure to Japan, or airlines may not allow boarding the flight. Along with the certificate expedited by the corresponding medical institution, a Japanese certificate following the government\u2019s\u00a0<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/stf\/covid-19\/border_test.html#h2_free2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">required guidelines<\/a> must be presented upon landing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"In many Japanese airports you will have a temperature check\" class=\"wp-image-83898\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/12162549\/covid_test_airport-min.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>PCR testing is mandatory for all travelers within 72 hours of flight departure unless they provide a certificate that confirms they\u2019ve received at least three doses. <strong>\u00a9<\/strong>\u00a0<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/deltanewshub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Delta News Hub<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"PCR-test-on-arrival-may-be-waived-according-to-a-new-classification-system\">PCR test on arrival is no longer required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>PCR test on arrival is no longer required unless you display symptoms of possible COVID-19 infection. Other than that, incoming travelers only need to provide a valid certificate of receiving at least <strong>three doses<\/strong> of the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mhlw.go.jp\/stf\/covid-19\/border_vaccine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">vaccines listed by the World Health Organization<\/a> or a certificate of negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours before departure. Travelers must note that underage passengers will be treated depending on the status of the parent\/guardian they\u2019re traveling with: if the guardian is vaccinated, then the child will be exempted from PCR testing, but if the guardian is not vaccinated, then the child will also be required to provide a PCR certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"current-emergency-status-in-japan\">Current pandemic status in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the moment, there isn\u2019t any emergency status in Japan. Despite <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2022\/07\/cfc1e4db4f6a-breaking-news-japans-daily-covid-cases-hit-new-record-above-203000.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">record numbers of new infections<\/a>, the number of patients with serious symptoms remains <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2022\/07\/10da9c6a77f0-tokyo-reports-under-30000-new-covid-cases-for-1st-time-in-4-days.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">statistically insignificant<\/a>. Therefore, the government has not imposed any further restrictions. Amid public discussions about whether to continue wearing masks or not, the Government has confirmed that <a aria-label=\"masks are no longer needed while staying outdoors (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2022\/05\/28ad9ed64e50-masks-outside-not-always-needed-when-not-chatting-japan-govt-panel.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">masks are no longer needed while staying outdoors<\/a> if there\u2019s enough social distance.&nbsp;Furthermore, the government\u2019s coronavirus panel of experts has been making calls to <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/08\/02\/national\/science-health\/omi-coronavirus-disease-downgrade\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">downgrade the coronavirus\u2019s classification<\/a> to an equivalent level to the seasonal flu, as the mild symptoms of the virus cannot justify the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/08\/08\/national\/covid19-classification-change-explainer\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">excessive burden<\/a> still imposed on medical facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"vaccination-rate-in-japan-and-implementation-of-vaccine-passports\">Vaccination rate in Japan and implementation of Vaccine Passports<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As of <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.kantei.go.jp\/jp\/headline\/kansensho\/vaccine.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">September 22<\/a>, Japan has already administered <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/ourworldindata.org\/covid-vaccinations?country=JPN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">over 321 million doses<\/a>, reaching 81.5% of the population (104 million) with at least the first dose, 80.4% of the population (102.9 million) with the second, and 66.2% (83.3 million) with the third dose. Over 92% of the elderly population have completed their vaccination. A <a aria-label=\"fourth dose has been approved (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ntv.co.jp\/englishnews\/articles\/2021agxw84ry0j26sw5a.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">fourth dose started on May 25<\/a>, originally for people over 60 years old or with underlying medical conditions, but the scope was gradually<a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.japantimes.co.jp\/news\/2022\/07\/23\/national\/medical-workers-tokyo-vaccines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\"> expanded to medical and elderly care workers<\/a> in July and then to the general population in October. So far, over 40.6 million fourth doses have been administered. As for pediatric vaccinations for children between 5 and 11 years old, since its implementation in February, 1.6 and 1.5 million doses have been administered for the first and second dose, respectively, while infant inoculations for ages between 6 months and four years have started to be implemented since October 24.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the end of July 2021, <a aria-label=\"local governments have started issuing vaccine certificates, also known as \u201cvaccine passports\u201d (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www3.nhk.or.jp\/nhkworld\/en\/news\/backstories\/1727\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">local governments have started issuing vaccine certificates, also known as \u201cvaccine passports,\u201d<\/a> to allow international travel for Japanese nationals. On December 20, <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/english.kyodonews.net\/news\/2021\/12\/c80835e9687f-japan-launches-covid-19-vaccine-certificate-app.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">a certificate app<\/a> was launched, allowing users to have a digital version of their proof of vaccination on their smartphones. Currently, 46 countries recognize Japan\u2019s vaccine certificates but entry conditions are on a country-by-country basis. Please check with the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.anzen.mofa.go.jp\/covid19\/certificationlist.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety website<\/a> for an updated list of countries and specific information for each country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"japan-borders-open-tourists\">Visa-exempt travelers can travel to Japan from October 2022<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The relaxation of borders from October 2022 onwards finally brings international travel to Japan almost the way it was before pandemic times, so hopefully, it\u2019s a matter of time until the situation becomes fully normalized. Until then, the <a aria-label=\"Ministry of Foreign Affairs (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mofa.go.jp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"ek-link\">Ministry of Foreign Affairs<\/a> is continually updating entry procedures into Japan, which depends on the global COVID and within Japan\u2019s borders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Original article published on 04\/10\/2020. Last update on 11\/14\/2022<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Disclaimer: We at Voyapon try to provide you with the most up-to-date information on Japan\u2019s travel regulations using reputable news&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":163,"featured_media":85937,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"pgc_meta":"","_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":7,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[2050],"tags":[2128,2129,2133,2134],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>COVID &amp; Japan Border Measures: Who can travel to Japan?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the latest travel restrictions and border measures for travelers to Japan during the Covid-19 and who is allowed to travel.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"COVID &amp; Japan Border Measures: Who can travel to Japan?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the latest travel restrictions and border measures for travelers to Japan during the Covid-19 and who is allowed to travel.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"VOYAPON\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-10-25T16:12:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-02-27T05:37:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/s3.voyapon.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/05142534\/sho-k-airport-unsplash.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1280\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"869\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Toshiko Sakurai\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Toshiko Sakurai\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/coronavirus-japan-reopening-borders-travelers-concerned\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Toshiko Sakurai\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/voyapon.com\/#\/schema\/person\/c5e6d54b47166bb782fd05c648a9826e\"},\"headline\":\"COVID-19 &amp; Japan Border Measures. 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