Beginning October 11, 2022, Japan has opened up for individual / independent travel, as well as loosening some border control measures for travelers. We are posting here some Q&As specific for Filipino Travelers to Japan. We hope that the information below will help you prepare for your trip to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions (Last Updated on 11 October 2022)
Can I visit Japan on my own now?
Yes, beginning October 11, 2022, FIT or individual travel will be allowed. Tourists are no longer required to avail of guided / unguided tour packages to visit Japan.
Is the Philippines a visa-free country?
No, the Philippines is not part of the 68 visa-exempt countries / regions. Filipinos are still required to possess a visa when they visit Japan.
Can JNTO help me with my visa application?
No, since JNTO is a separate organization from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. The Embassy has full control over the visa process. The visa information we report is from the Embassy's Visa/Consular website, so please check their website occasionally for updates regarding the visa process. You may course your visa application through any one of the Embassy's accredited agencies.
Can I use my existing multiple entry visa to visit Japan?
Yes, beginning October 11, 2022, the multiple entry visa's suspension has been lifted, so unexpired multiple entry visas can be used to visit Japan. Please check the Embassy's Visa/Consular website for updated information.
My unexpired multiple entry visa is in my old passport. Can I still use it?
Yes, as long as your multiple entry visa is not yet expired, you just need to bring your old passport with you when you visit Japan. Please check the Embassy's Visa/Consular website for updated information.
My multiple entry visa expired before October 11, 2022. Can I apply for a new one?
Yes, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines started accepting visa applications of all types beginning October 4, 2022. You may course your visa application through any one of the Embassy's accredited agencies.
I had a multiple entry visa but I went to Japan recently using a single entry ERFS visa. Can I still use my multiple entry visa?
No, because the multiple entry visa was cancelled when you were issued a single entry ERFS visa. You will have to apply for a new visa. Please check the Embassy's Visa/Consular website for updated information.
I want to join a package tour. Does my visa application still have to go through the ERFS?
No, because beginning October 11, 2022, the Certificate of Registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-Up System (ERFS) will no longer be required. The visa application process will be like how it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. You may visit the Embassy's Visa/Consular website for more details.
Can I enter Japan even if I am unvaccinated / partially vaccinated / vaccinated with vaccines that are not recognized by the Japanese Government?
Yes, as long as you take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your departure to Japan, and must present a negative result before boarding your flight.
Is it still required to take an RT-PCR test before entering Japan?
No, as long as you have a valid vaccination certificate, which can prove that you are fully vaccinated with vaccines that are recognized by the Japanese Government. If the vaccination certificate does not fulfill all of the conditions, then you have to take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your departure to Japan, and must present a negative result before boarding your flight.
Can I use the vaccination certificates I got from the Local Government Unit (LGU)?
No, because VaxCertPH and the Bureau of Quarantine - International Certificate of Vaccination (BoQ ICV) are the official vaccination certificates from the Philippines that are recognized by the Japanese Government. Vaccination cards provided by the local government cannot be used.
I am fully vaccinated with booster/s using vaccines that are recognized by the Japanese Government, but my VaxCertPH certificate has some missing doses. Can I still use this?
No, because the vaccination certificate should show a minimum of three doses. Please ask VaxCertPH to fix this for you. In the event that fixing the details in your VaxCertPH document is not possible before your flight, you will instead have to take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your departure to Japan, and have to present a negative result before boarding your flight.
My first two doses are in one VaxCertPH certificate, while my booster/s are in another VaxCertPH certificate, so I have two VaxCertPH documents. Can I use both?
No, because there should only be one VaxCertPH document to be used as an official vaccination certificate. Please ask VaxCertPH to fix this for you. In the event that fixing the details in your VaxCertPH document is not possible before your flight, you will instead have to take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your departure to Japan, and have to present a negative result before boarding your flight.
I was vaccinated with Sinovac. Do I still have to take an RT-PCR test?
No, as long as you possess a valid vaccination certificate. Sinovac is one of the vaccines found in the World Health Organization's Emergency Use List, which the Japanese Government started using beginning October 11, 2022.
I was vaccinated with Sputnik V. Do I still have to take an RT-PCR test?
Yes, because Sputnik V is NOT found in the World Health Organization's Emergency Use List, which the Japanese Government started using beginning October 11, 2022. You will have to take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before your departure to Japan, and have to present a negative result before boarding your flight.
Do my children have to take an RT-PCR test before we enter Japan?
- Children (under 18 years of age) who possess valid vaccination certificates are NOT REQUIRED to obtain a negative certificate of testing for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours before departure.
- For children (under 18 years of age) without a valid vaccination certificate: if they are accompanied by a guardian / parent with a valid vaccination certificate and the said guardian / parent will supervise them, the children 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 / parent with a valid vaccination certificate), they are not eligible for the above exception. They must take a valid RT-PCR test within 72 hours before their departure to Japan, and they have to present a negative result before boarding their flight.
- In case the accompanying guardian / parent does not hold a valid vaccination certificate and enters Japan with a negative certificate, preschool-aged children (generally under the age of 6) are not required a negative certificate.
You may learn more in the MHLW's Q&A on the New Border Measures guide.
Is travel insurance still required when visiting Japan?
Travel insurance is not required, but we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip to Japan. There is no set amount on how much, but the travel insurance should cover for medical expenses related to COVID-19 (among other coverage and services) during your stay in Japan. This may help shoulder medical costs in the event that you contract COVID-19 while in Japan.
Do I need to take an RT-PCR test when I leave Japan for another country after my visit?
Japan's infection control procedures are only applicable upon entry to Japan. Exiting Japan for another country will be subject to the next country's infection control procedures, so please check the entry requirements for the other country before departing from Japan.
For a more detailed look at the general guidelines, we encourage you to visit JNTO's special website designed for travelers who wish to visit Japan during this time. The website contains step-by-step guides on preparing for your trip to Japan.
We hope to see you again in Japan!
