Independent tourists can visit Japan visa-free from October 11! Tourists can enter Japan without quarantine and no longer need to go through a travel agency, as long as they have received 3 doses of vaccination or have a negative valid PCR certificate within 72 hours prior to departure. If you have already bought air tickets or planned to go to Japan, remember to pay attention to some common questions below!

*Please pay attention to the latest epidemic prevention and entry policy arrangements for each country. (Updated on November 16, 2022)

What documents are required when entering Japan?

• If you have not received all 3 doses of vaccination, you need a negative valid COVID-19 PCR certificate within 72 hours prior to departure.
• Passport, Hong Kong or Macau ID card
• Japan visa
• Those who have received all 3 doses of vaccination present a valid vaccination record
• Show the QR code generated upon completing the Online Questionnaire that has been filled in the travel history or health status
• Access Visit Japan Web website

What are the accreditation requirements for the COVID-19 PCR testing reports? 

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare states earlier listed out some local testing agencies that can provide Japanese services for reference only, any COVID-19 PCR testing institutions recognised by the Hong Kong SAR are also valid. As long as the PCR test provide provided by the testing institutions satisfies all of the items listed below, and in Japanese or English format could be applied to entry Japan.

1. Name
2. Date of birth
3. Testing method
4. Sampling / Specimen method
5. Sampling collection date
6. Test results
7. Medical Institution
8. Report date

（Source： Official website of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare）

（Source：Official website of the Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong）

I have been infected with COVID-19, and have received two doses of vaccination, do I still need do PCR test?

Yes, For all those who unable to present the proof of three doses of vaccines, the Japanese government does not accept previous COVID-19 infection to offset the number of vaccines prescribed. In other words, if a person who has received only two doses of vaccination after diagnosed must be hold a negative PCR test certificate within 72 hours prior to departure.

What is COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates Valid for Entry into Japan from Abroad?

According to Japan’s current policy, tourists who have received 3 doses of the designated COVID-19 vaccines can be exempted from the negative PCR test certificate when entry, while those who have not been vaccinated or have not received the full dose are required to show a negative PCR test certificate within 72 hours prior to departure.

Regard to the designated COVID-19 vaccines, Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare updated the list of vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), and both Biotech and Sinovac vaccines will be accepted.

Do children have to be vaccinated before entry?

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan officially stated that those under the age of 18 who have not been vaccinated must be accompanied by their relatives or guardians. Whether their parents have been vaccinated with Japanese-approved vaccines, if the parents have been already vaccinated, children do not need to show proof, only children under 6 years old do not need to show proof.

Do I need to quarantine after entry? 

Those who got a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate of three doses of vaccines can be exempted from isolation. If there is no proof of vaccination, it is necessary to carry out: 3 days of home isolation, and a virus test on the 3rd day with a negative result; or 7 days of home isolation without testing.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

The Japanese government does not stipulate that masks must be worn, and it is not necessary to wear masks outdoors (except for some places), but in crowded places, still recommend to wear masks.
 

What is the current quarantine measures for inbound persons?

Inbound persons are required to undergo medical surveillance, self-monitoring and compulsory testing in accordance with the relevant regulations. Medical surveillance for 3 days, and during the period, subject to Amber Code restrictions under Vaccine Pass;Those who are consecutively tested negative can complete medical surveillance with Amber Code restrictions ending of Day 3. On Day 2, undergo PCR-based nucleic acid test and keep the SMS notification containing the test result after obtaining negative result of RAT on the day. Also Undergo daily RATs until Day 7.