This post is also available in: Indonesia
Updated Dec 19, 2022.
Written by: Zunita Ramli
Document Information & Requirements To Enter Japan
It has been announced that starting October 11, 2022, Japan removed the cap for daily arrival and re-instated visa-free travel for eligible passport holders. That means, eligible passport-holders are no longer needed to use travel agents to arrange for their travel in Japan instead, they will get the automatic visa-on-arrival (VoA) when they land in Japan – just like before. How convenient!
Welcome to Japan message at Narita International Airport. Photo by Zunita Ramli.
List of eligible passport holders (per Oct 17, 2022)
Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Korea, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, & Uruguay.
Source: Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
But wait, before you pack up and leave, these are the things that you need to know before entering Japan:
Visa Exemption For Up To 90 Days
Eligible passport-holders do not need a visa to enter Japan for a short-term stay of fewer than 90 days from 11 October 2022 onwards.
Entry Procedure
In order to enter Japan, eligible passport holders need to have either
a) COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate or
b) Negative PCR Test
COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate
If you choose option a) COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate it must show 3 doses of valid vaccinations which are listed in the table below.
Source: Embassy of Japan in Malaysia
If you are unvaccinated, did not complete 3 doses, or already had 3 doses of vaccine but not listed in the above list, you need to use option b) Negative PCR Test to enter Japan.
Negative PCR Test
If you have to choose option b) a Negative PCR Test to enter Japan, you need to have a negative PCR Test 72 hours prior to boarding. This PCR Test must be done at the medical facility and must follow the guidelines and requirements of the Japanese government, which means that the test result should mention the following:
・Name
・Date of birth
・Testing method (PCR, LAMP, TRC, etc)
・Sample type (Nasopharyngeal swab, nasal swab, etc)
・Sample collection date and time
・Result
・Name of medical institution
・Date of issue
We recommend using the result format (English) issued by Japan’s government for an easier process and if possible, to do PCR testing at a medical facility that is familiar with the requirements.
The format in other languages
If you are using a different/optional format, Japan’s government advises highlighting the required items so that the inspection certificate can be confirmed smoothly.
Source and more info about PCR test certificate: Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare
Use Fast Track!
Fast Track is an online service for quarantine, immigration, and customs procedures to enter Japan, for smooth arrival procedures at the airport. This service is for both international visitors and Japanese citizens. You will need to make an account, then register your information, your arrival schedule, and the required information on the arrival procedure. You will get a QR code which you can show at each procedure at the airport upon arrival.
Use Fast Track (available at Visit Japan Web)
Instruction in using Fast Track on Visit Japan Web
Requirements for Children
According to Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare, for children under the age of 18 without a valid vaccination certificate, if they are accompanied by a guardian with a valid vaccination certificate and who will supervise the children, they will be treated as holders of valid vaccination certificates, and submission of the negative certificates is exempted the same as the guardian as an exception.
*If children under the age of 18 without vaccination certificates enter Japan by themselves (without being accompanied by a guardian with a valid vaccination certificate), they are not eligible for the above exception.
MySOS is No Longer Needed
The MySOS function is original to smoother procedures at the airport upon arrival (for fast track). Since Visit Japan Web now takes the fast-track service, you need to register to Visit Japan Web.
FAQ
But one might ask, what will happen if you do not have 3 doses of valid vaccine certificate and you have a positive PCR Test 72 prior to boarding?
You need to reschedule your flight until you get a negative PCR Test result 72 hours before boarding. Hence it is wise to book a flight ticket with the flexibility of changing/delaying your flight ticket.
So now you have fulfilled all the requirements, it is time to go!
See Also
Japan Fully Reopens The Border and These Foods Are The Things You Should Expect!
Halal In-Flight Meals (ANA and JAL)
