Japan has finally reopened and here's how to travel free & easy!
Without a doubt, Japan is one of the most awaited destinations since leisure travel resumed with most of the world. Like us, you’re probably itching to go shopping in Tokyo, visit the new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, and marvel at the beauty of Hokkaido’s scenic nature.
Even though Japan may have reopened to tour groups since June, nothing sparked more excitement than when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that border measures would be further relaxed on 11 October 2022. This includes the removal of the cap on tourist numbers, resumption of visa-free travel, and allowing free individual travellers to return.
We, too, couldn't wait, so we made a trip to Japan ourselves on 12 October! We've put together our observations and tips to complete the new travel requirements in this guide!
This means that travellers to Japan will no longer be required to present Covid-19 vaccination documents with records of three vaccine doses or proof of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival.
Singaporeans can enjoy Visa-free travel to Japan
Visa-free travel has resumed for travellers from 68 countries that did not require a visa pre-COVID. This includes Singapore, which previously enjoyed 90 days of visa-free for temporary visits.
Country | Visa-Free Period |
|---|---|
Australia | 90 Days |
Brunei | 14 Days |
Hong Kong | 90 Days |
Indonesia | 15 Days |
Malaysia | 90 Days |
Korea | 90 Days |
Singapore | 90 Days |
Taiwan | 90 Days |
Thailand | 15 Days |
For travellers from other countries, please refer to this list for Visa exemption requirements.
Japan Entry Requirements for Travellers from Singapore
All vaccinated travellers to Japan will not be subjected to any pre-departure test, on-arrival test or quarantine. That means you're good to kickstart your tour of Japan the moment you arrive. All you have to do is to submit your COVID-19 vaccination certificate through the Japan Web application. More details are below.
However, should you be unvaccinated or are unable to produce a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, you will be required to under a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in Singapore within 72 hours before your departure. (Until 7 May 2023)
Have valid Vaccine Certificate | Pre-Departure Test | On-Arrival Test |
|---|---|---|
Yes | Not required | Not required |
No | Required | Not required |
Do note that Japan has put in place additional testing requirements for travellers with a 7-day travel history to China (except Hong Kong and Macau). You will be required to undergo both the pre-departure and on-arrival tests.
#KlookTip: Always check for the latest information and guidelines at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
1. Ensure you are Fully Vaccinated for Test-Free Travel
[UPDATE]: From 8 May 2023, travellers to Japan will no longer be required to present Covid-19 vaccination documents with records of three vaccine doses or proof of a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival.
Since 7 September, fully-vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in Singapore within 72 hours before your departure. Japan only recognises the following COVID-19 vaccines to be considered as a vaccinated traveller:
- Comirnaty/Pfizer (3 doses required)
- COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech (3 doses required)
- Janssen & Janssen (Only 2 doses required)
- Moderna (3 doses required)
- Nuvaxovid/Novavax (3 doses required)
- Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca (3 doses required)
- CONVIDECIA (Only 2 doses required)
- Sinopharm/Sinovac (3 doses required)
- COVAVAC/Covishield (3 doses required)
To prove that you are fully vaccinated, you will have to digitally endorse your Singapore vaccination certificate via Notarise.
#KlookTip: All unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a pre-departure PCR within 72 hours of departure. An ART is not accepted.
2. Visit Japan Web & Complete Fast Track Application
Before flying off to Japan, you will be required to complete the Fast Track application directly on Japan Web. Fast Track will allow you to breeze through quarantine procedures upon arrival at the airport in Japan and significantly reduce the wait. All you have to do is:
- Create an account
- Fill in your details, as well as for any accompanying children
- Fill in when you plan to enter Japan
- Complete the entry procedure that includes Fast Track application, Immigration Disembarkation Card, and Customs Declaration
- Upon completion, there will be a QR code generated for both the Immigration and Customs procedures
These are the documents you need to prepare for registration:
- Passport
- Vaccination certificate with QR Code
- Flight details
- Accommodation address
You may follow the detailed guide here to complete your Japan Web application.
3. Buy Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and hospitalisation costs. You can get the MSIG Travel Insurance on Klook that comes with a COVID-19 add-on coverage of up to S$200,000 for overseas hospitalisation and medical expenses.
Upon Arrival in Japan
Before or during your flight to Japan, your airline may hand you a few info sheets as well as the usual immigration and customs forms. The good news for those who have completed the Fast Track application on Japan Web and received a blue screen and two QR codes, you do not need to fill in any of the physical forms.
Those with a blue screen on your MySOS app will be allowed to move on quickly to the next station.
Upon arrival at the Japan airport, you will be streamed into two lines - one for those with the blue Japan Web screen, and the other to complete the necessary declaration forms.
Checks will be made against your passport to ensure that the MySOS application was done correctly.
At the next station, you will be required to show your passport and your Japan Web for review. There are many counters available at this station and the review takes only a minute. Once completed, you can then proceed through immigration and customs.
#KlookTip: Data is needed to verify the details submitted through Japan Web. You can connect to the airport Wifi while queueing if you do not have mobile data connection yet.
And that's it! When we arrived at night at Osaka's Kansai Airport, it took us less than 20 minutes to get from the aircraft to the arrival hall. Talk about the efficiency that Japan is so well known for!
Returning to Singapore
1. Complete SG Arrival Card
With testing no longer required under the Vaccinated Travel Framework, all travellers are only required to complete the SG Arrival Card up to 72 hours before departure for Singapore.
Once you have all these requirements, you’re set to visit The Land of the Rising Sun! Take care and safe travels!
Start planning your Japan trip now!
We’ve partnered with Love, Bonito and The Travel Intern to produce a Japan travelogue - Hello, Ikimashow! Catch both episodes to enjoy:
- Exclusive discounts of up to S$20 off your online purchase on Love, Bonito
- Free $5 Love, Bonito gift card with a min. $300 spend on Japan activities when you book on Klook this April
- A trip to Japan (worth S$1,000 each) for five lucky winners in our Japan Mega Giveaway! Simply spend min. of S$120 on Love, Bonito in a single receipt either online or across all retail outlets this April - multiple entries are allowed. Winners will be announced via @lovebonitosg's Instagram story on 3 May 2023
Japan Travel Essentials 🇯🇵
Planning a Japan holiday? Here's our checklist of travel essentials for a smooth and hassle-free trip!
🚅 For starters, the Whole Japan JR Pass is a must for your adventures. It will come in useful when you are exploring various cities! However, if you are only spending time in one particular city or region, then a Regional JR Pass might be a better choice.
🏮 Tokyo Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
➡️ Want to save more on Tokyo transportation passes and attraction tickets? Hit all your favourites and save up to 48% with the Klook Pass Tokyo!
🏮 Osaka Essentials: Transportation Passes & Top Must-Dos
➡️ Want to save more on Osaka transportation passes and attraction tickets? Hit all your favourites and save up to 43% with the Klook Pass Osaka!
✨ Others
➡️ Exhilarating adventures lined up on your next trip itinerary?
Protect yourself and your loved ones while you experience the world with Klook’s travel insurance! Learn more about why you should book travel insurance and how to level up your travels today.
Unbox Your Joy 🎁
Klook's Year End Sale is here! We've got:
- Travel Blind Boxes at just $1
- Stand to win a $300 Klook e-Gift Card
- Enjoy up to $195 off during our Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales!
Find out more: bit.ly/4fQyu28
PS: Looking for more sweet deals and promos? Check out allll the Klook promo codes available here - with more promos updated every month!
🌏 Follow us on social media for more inspiration and the latest deals:
💰 For exclusive promos, subscribe to our Telegram channel and sign up for our newsletters!
