Is Japan open for travel?
This is not a drill! Japan will finally fully reopen its doors again to tourists this October 11, 2022! If like us, you’re itching to go shopping in Tokyo, excited to spend a day at the new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios, or even ready to explore the whole of Japan with the super convenient JR Pass, this is your time!
Back in June 2022, Japan started to allow tourists to enter as part of small group tours coming from certain countries like Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the United States. However, this October, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has now announced that starting October 11, 2022, entry restrictions will be further relaxed! This includes removal of the cap on the number of entering tourists, resumption of visa-free travel for select countries, and allowing free individual tourists to travel to Japan without the need of being part of a small group tour or booking via an accredited travel agency.
Sugoi! Are you just as excited as we are? We’ve prepared a short Japan travel restrictions guide to inform you about all there is to know about their current tourism guidelines and what you need to take note of:
Knowing your zone and its entry requirements!
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Japan has divided the countries of the world into three zones for entry: Red, Yellow, and Blue! And each of them comes with their own vaccination and quarantine rules. Make sure to check what zone your country falls under and see what specific conditions must be met before you book your flight!
However, do note that Japan will assess your eligibility based on your 14-day travel history prior to arrival in the country. If you’ve visited a country in the Yellow or Red groups, you will be subjected to the following measures in the indicated color zone:
Vaccinated with Certificate | On-Arrival Test | Quarantine Period |
|---|---|---|
🟦 Blue Group | ||
No | Not required | Not required |
Yes | Not required | Not required |
Notable Countries: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America. Complete list here | ||
🟨 Yellow Group | ||
No | PCR | 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test |
Yes | Not Required | Not Required |
Notable Countries: India, Macau, Maldives, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam. Complete list here | ||
🟥 Red Group | ||
No | PCR | 3-day quarantine at a designated facility + negative PCR test at the facility |
Yes | PCR | 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test |
Countries: None at the moment | ||
Philippine Passport Holder Frequently Asked Questions
Can Filipinos enter Japan?
Yes.
Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Japan?
Yes. At least 2 doses and 1 booster.
Will there be COVID-19 tests or quarantine necessary if entering Japan?
For fully vaccinated travelers, testing and quarantine period is now waived.
Do Filipinos need a visa to enter Japan?
Yes.
Can you use an older visa to enter Japan?
Yes, as long as it’s still within its validity period. Since 2018, the Embassy is now issuing 10-year visas.
How long can Filipinos stay in Japan?
It depends on your visa type. The most common temporary visa grants permission to stay in Japan for up to 90 days.
Japan Entry Requirements: What else do I need?
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Now you know what color zone your country falls under and its entry requirements, what’s next? As part of Japan reopening its borders to the world, there are still a number of things you’ll need to have before you can enter. Here’s a helpful checklist you can use to make sure you’ve got it all!
1. Install the MySOS App
All travelers are required to download the MySOS App to report their health condition and location after they enter Japan. The app also serves as your pre-registration for Fast Track – the quarantine procedures declaration required to show once you arrive in Japan. Quarantine procedures could take some time due to congestion, which is why travelers are highly encouraged to pre-register before you enter the country.
You’ll need to accomplish your pre-registration at least 6 hours prior to your flight’s scheduled arrival for it to be reviewed on time.
Here’s a quick step-by-step to help you through the application process:
Step 1: Install the MySOS App and open the “Pre-registration for quarantine procedures” button
Step 2: Complete the questionnaire, sign your pledge, and upload the following travel documents:
- Passport
- Vaccination certificate OR COVID test certificate for a test taken less than 72 hours before yourflight departure.
Step 3: Once you’ve submitted all the necessary requirements the app screen will either turn green or blue.
- The app screen will turn yellow if you selected “Will not submit” for your vaccination certificate and until the review is complete for your test certificate for a test taken less than 72 hours before your flight departure.
- If the app screen turns red, there is a problem with your application and you will need to redo your registration.
Step 4: Upon arrival in Japan, show your green, blue or yellow screen to the immigration for clearance.
For more information, you can check out this detailed guide to help you finish your Fast Track application.
Klook tip: If you are traveling with children aged 12 and under, you may include them in your own Fast Track application.
2. Japan Vaccination Requirements
For those that have already been boosted and want to enjoy quarantine-free travel during their trip, please note that Japan only recognizes the following COVID-19 vaccines to be considered as a vaccinated traveler:
- Comirnaty/Pfizer (Third dose required)
- COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech (Only 2 doses required)
- Janssen & Janssen (Only 1 dose required)
- Moderna (Third dose required)
- Nuvaxovid/Novavax (Third dose required)
- Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca (Only 2 doses required)
Klook tip: Make sure to remember to have your certificate or proof of vaccination that indicates that you’ve been boosted with any of these vaccines on hand to avoid any possible issues when you arrive.
3. Japan Visa Requirements
Depending on where you’re from, you might need to apply for a visa as well. Right now, there are 68 countries eligible for visa exemptions, with some having certain conditions. See Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs' list of visa-free countries to see if you’re exempted!
Book your dream Japan adventure on Klook!
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Once you’re all set, you’re ready to fly! Check out our list of new things you can do in Tokyo, what street food you can’t miss out on in Dotonbori, and our on what JR Pass to get if you’re still trying to figure out how to make the most of your visit to The Land of the Rising Sun!
