FAQ Frequently asked questions about traveling to Japan
All information here is gathered from the relevant authorities. Due to the regularly changing situation, it is essential for you to always check and follow the latest guidance.
Last updated: Wednesday, 15 June 2022
Before Departure
What are the entry requirements for visiting Japan?
If your purpose of visiting Japan is “tourism”, please refer to this page. If not, check the General Checklist page.
Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are subject to change. Visit the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) website or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for the latest information.
Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are subject to change. Visit the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) website or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website for the latest information.
What kind of Covid -19 test do I need to take before visiting Japan?
Persons eligible to enter Japan must obtain a negative test certificate conducted within 72 hours prior to departure from the country of embarkation. Check the valid testing methods outlined by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW).
Who can I call if I need help with quarantine measures?
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) has a call center for the new quarantine measures. It can be reached by phone from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.(Japan Time) including weekends and holidays.The service is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
＋81‐50-1751-2158 or ＋81‐50-1741-8558
＋81‐50-1751-2158 or ＋81‐50-1741-8558
Do I still need to get tested before departure if I am vaccinated against Covid-19?
Currently, all people entering Japan are required to have a negative test certificate for Covid-19, even if they are vaccinated. For the latest information visit the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) website.
After Arrival
What is the procedure for entry when I arrive in Japan?
If your purpose of visiting Japan is “tourism”, please refer to this page. If not, check the General Checklist page.
Do I still have to isolate after entry if I have a Covid-19 negative test certificate?
Whether you need to isolate after entry or not depends on the classification of the countries regions you stayed in before arriving in Japan, along with your vaccination status.
●Group “Blue”：Regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants, isolation is not required.
●Group “Yellow”：Those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate are not required to have isolation upon arrival. For those who do not obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, on-arrival test and 7-day isolation at home/hotel (or 3-day isolation at home/hotel + a negative test result from a voluntary Covid-19 test on the 3rd day of the isolation) are required.
●Group “Red”：3-day isolation at a government-designated facility is required. However, those who obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate may have 7-day isolation at home/hotel (or 3-day isolation at home/hotel + a negative test result from a voluntary Covid-19 test on the 3rd day of the isolation) instead.
For further and the latest information, please refer to the MHLW website.
●Group “Blue”：Regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants, isolation is not required.
●Group “Yellow”：Those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate are not required to have isolation upon arrival. For those who do not obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, on-arrival test and 7-day isolation at home/hotel (or 3-day isolation at home/hotel + a negative test result from a voluntary Covid-19 test on the 3rd day of the isolation) are required.
●Group “Red”：3-day isolation at a government-designated facility is required. However, those who obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate may have 7-day isolation at home/hotel (or 3-day isolation at home/hotel + a negative test result from a voluntary Covid-19 test on the 3rd day of the isolation) instead.
For further and the latest information, please refer to the MHLW website.
Can I take public transportation after I arrive in Japan?
Persons who are not required to isolate after entry may use public transportation.
Persons required to isolate at home/hotel after entry may also use public transportation, however, the use is limited to reaching their residence or accommodation by the shortest route, within 24 hours from taking the on-arrival Covid-19 test.
Persons required to isolate at home/hotel after entry may also use public transportation, however, the use is limited to reaching their residence or accommodation by the shortest route, within 24 hours from taking the on-arrival Covid-19 test.
What should I do if I feel ill?
If you have travel insurance, the insurance company may oparate an assistance hotline which introduces medical facilities, interprets between you and the doctor, and offer cashless medical service.
There are several hotlines available to help travelers needing advice.
Coronavirus Hotline
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare(MHLW) multilingual hotline is staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Japan Time) daily. Information is available in English, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
0120-565653
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/hotline.html
Japan Visitor hotline
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies. Support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
From Japan 050-3816-2787
From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/hotline/
Chatbot (in case of emergency only)
There are several hotlines available to help travelers needing advice.
Coronavirus Hotline
The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare(MHLW) multilingual hotline is staffed from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Japan Time) daily. Information is available in English, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese.
0120-565653
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/hotline.html
Japan Visitor hotline
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) operates a visitor hotline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Call for tourist information or assistance in the case of accidents and emergencies. Support is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
From Japan 050-3816-2787
From Overseas +81-50-3816-2787
https://www.japan.travel/en/plan/hotline/
Chatbot (in case of emergency only)
How can I protect myself from Covid-19 while traveling?
Prevent infection by wearing a face mask and washing your hands frequently. Avoid closed spaces with poor ventilation, crowded places, and close-contact settings.
For more information on safety measures, visit the Government of Japan COVID-19 Information and Resources page.
For more information on safety measures, visit the Government of Japan COVID-19 Information and Resources page.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
Where can I buy a face mask?
Face masks are sold at pharmacies, convenience stores and supermarkets.
