Travelling to Japan in 2022
Travelling to Japan in the 2022 pandemic era? We have good news. After 3 months since Japan first began to welcome students and business travellers, the country is finally further easing its border control. With effect from 10th June, Japan will be opening its doors partially to tourists, after more than 2 years of strict border controls that barred international travellers from entering the country.
However, before you hop on the next plane to Japan, note there are certain limitations that come with the good news. Whether you’re poised to make the big move as a student or are simply looking for a getaway, read on for our ultimate guide on visiting the country.
For more guides, check out:
- How to rent an apartment in Japan
- Anime speech habits to avoid using in real life
- Shopping etiquette to look out for
For tourists
1. Tourists to be part of small pre-booked packaged tours
Image credit: Kentaro Toma
From 10th June, in order to enter Japan on a tourist visa, international travellers will need to be part of a pre-booked and guided tour, which is led by a tour conductor. The tour packages have not been made available as of now, but there should be more announcements made by the government soon.
In order to participate in the tours, visitors will need to be fully vaccinated – three doses, including a booster shot – and be part of scheduled tours with a small group of participants. In other words, solo or unsupervised travel is not allowed.
The daily cap of new entrants is also slated to be raised from 10,000 to 20,000 come 1st June 2022.
2. Quarantine exemption for “blue” list countries
Image credit: Lourdes Tan
Depending on the country you’re from, you may or may not be subject to quarantine. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affair, countries or regions will be classified as red, yellow, or blue. Passengers from the red group will be required to do a pre-flight and post-arrival PCR test, on top of a 3-day quarantine as a designated facility.
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated passengers coming from the blue group, which consists of 98 countries that are regarded as low-risk, will only be required to test negative on a PCR test 72 hours before their flight. They are exempted from quarantine and a PCR test upon arrival.
That said, if a fever is detected by the thermographic camera upon arrival, you may be required to go through quarantine at an appointed facility, NHK reports.
To see which group you fall under, refer to the full list here.
3. International flights at Naha and New Chitose Airport to resume
Image credit: Jay Lo
Besides the above, international flights are also slated to be resumed at Naha Airport and New Chitose Airport, gateways to Okinawa and Hokkaido respectively.
Currently, international flights can only land in 5 major airports, which includes Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita Airport, as well as Osaka’s Kansai Airport.
4. Travellers must be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies
Image credit: Bing Hui Yau
Once the packaged tours are open for booking, travellers will have to be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies or similar organisations. In other words, the agencies will act as your sponsor and are responsible for your being in the country.
According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the travel agencies undertaking the guided tour will have to register for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) on behalf of the participants.
Once successfully registered, a certificate will be sent to sponsors, and the certificate can be submitted to the relevant embassy for visa application, if there is a need for one.
For international students and business travellers
Applying for your Visa
1. Getting a Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Image credit: Shinjuku Japanese Language Institution
A Certificate of Eligibility, or COE for short, is your first step to entering the country. In a nutshell, it’s a document provided by the Regional Immigration Bureau, which certifies that the applicant has met all the requirements needed to reside in the country.
All paperwork and application procedures should be handled by your sponsor, which can be your employer, school, or relative. An important point to note is that your COE is not a replacement for a visa, but a required document that should be submitted to your local Japanese embassy during your visa application.
2. Registering for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS)
Sample of certificate
Image credit: Xiu Ting Wong
With effect from 1st March 2022, restrictions on new foreign entries have been revised. The new border measures now require an additional document on top of the COE – a certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS).
Like the COE, sponsors will be required to register the entrants’ information online. Once successfully registered, the certificate will be sent to sponsors, and foreign applicants can proceed to submit the certificate for visa processing.
3. Visa application
Image credit: Wikipedia
After gathering all the necessary certificates from your sponsor, it’s time to head to your local Japanese embassy. The list of required documents depends on factors such as your nationality, purpose of travel, and type of visa.
But in general, bring along your passport, a completed application form, photograph in the specified dimensions, your COE, and your ERFS registration certificate. Due to the pandemic, your local embassy may require visitors to book an appointment in advance, so call ahead before going.
Once the application is submitted, it should take a few business days. Again, the duration varies, and you may return to pick up your visa once it’s issued.
4. Enter Japan before your COE expires
Image credit: viarami
In principle, a COE is only valid within 90 days of its issue. Applicants have to enter Japan before the deadline, otherwise it becomes invalid.
But due to the everchanging border restrictions, Japan has extended the validity period. For COEs issued between 1st January 2020 to 31st January 2022, they expire on 31st July 2022. Those issued from 1st February 2022 to 31st July 2022 are valid for six months.
Other preflight procedures
1. Getting a Yunyu Kakunin-sho for your medication
Image credit: Volodymyr Hryshchenko
Formerly known as Yakkan Shōmei (薬監証明), a Yunyu Kakuninsho (輸入確認証) is a permit for medicine importation. Travellers can only bring along more than one month’s supply of prescription medications, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices, if they’ve obtained a certified yunyu kakuninsho beforehand.
In the application document, detail the prescription item and quantity, then attach a doctor’s note and your flight itinerary. Email the PDF file to the relevant authorities of the airport where you’re landing. Depending on the volume of applications that are being processed, it can take up to a few business days, so make sure to factor in enough time before your flight.
After you receive a certified permit, bring along a hard copy of it and declare your medication during customs clearance.
2. Download and register on the MySOS app
Image adapted from: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
In order to expedite arrival procedures, the Fast Track was implemented at major airports such as Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport. New foreign entrants can complete parts of the immigration procedure in advance by installing the MySOS app.
To register the necessary documents, you must first fill out the questionnaire and written pledge. The app will then prompt you to submit your vaccination certificate and a negative test result for COVID-19.
Image adapted from: Xiu Ting Wong
The screen will remain yellow while your documents are being reviewed. After they are verified and good to do, your screen should turn green, and you can flash the page upon arrival in Japan.
The whole process is relatively smooth, with each step of verification taking only around 20 minutes. That said, the preflight Fast Track application has to be completed at least 16 hours in advance before your arrival.
3. Prepare your vaccination certificate
Image credit: Mat Napo
Like many countries, Japan requires travellers to be vaccinated. Prepare a valid vaccination certificate that’s issued by the government in your country. The document should detail your name, passport number, manufacturer of vaccines, vaccination dates, and at least two doses of approved vaccinations.
Before you get on the plane, the airline will do a quick scan before allowing you onto the plane, so bring along a hardcopy of the certificate.
4. Prepare a copy of your Written Pledge
In compliance with border measures, new entrants are to submit a signed copy of the Written Pledge. The two-page document outlines measures you’d be required to observe, which includes providing updates on your location, complying with requests from relevant officials, staying at home, and more.
Those refusing to sign will be assigned to a quarantine location to self-isolate, and any violation of the clauses may result in deportation.
Upon arrival, submit the signed copy of your pledge to the airport quarantine station when prompted.
5. Obtain a negative COVID-19 result certificate
Image credit: JC Gellidon
Prior to entering the country, all travellers are required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before departure and submit a certificate for the test results. In order to speed up the review process, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare strongly encourages all to use their form with a standardised format.
To be safe, check with your local clinic if they are able to fill in the form on your behalf, as it requires a doctor’s signature and seal. Certain testing methods, such as Qualitative Antigen Tests, are not accepted.
6. Money matters
Image credit: jun rong loo
With the sharp fall in the value of Japanese yen recently, we recommend changing just a minimal amount of the local currency in advance.
Multi-currency digital wallets such as YouTrip and Revolut allow you to make in-app currency exchanges without having to worry about lugging a huge amount of cash around. While smaller mom-and-pop shops may not take cashless payments, the cards can be used at most convenience stores, chain shopping malls, and supermarkets.
What to expect after landing
1. Be prepared to show your MYSOS app
Image credit: Koko Photo
Once you touch down, you’ll be guided through rounds of checks, going from station to station. Get the green screen on your MySOS app ready as it will be the first thing the quarantine staff will check.
After they’ve verified your pre-registration, you’ll be handed a piece of document – they call it “Health Card” – attached to a small slip of yellow paper printed with a checklist.
2. Declaring your travel history
Image credit: Mantas Hesthaven
And so begins the process of getting in line and going through several stations. Besides collecting the questionnaire for COVID-19 related measures, which should be given to you on the plane to fill out, the staff will also ask about your travel history and a series of other questions. Be clear about where you’ve been in the preceding 14 days before entry.
3. Collecting saliva samples for the COVID-19 test
Image credit: arianka ibarra
Next, to conduct a PCR test, new arrivals will be given an empty plastic tube that’s labelled with a number, as well as a funnel. Proceed to the booths and spit several times into the tube to ensure that enough saliva is collected.
If you’re having some trouble, look at pictures of lemons within the space as it’ll help stimulate saliva production. To make sure that your saliva sample is clear and free from food residue, refrain from eating or drinking – not even water – 30 minutes before landing.
4. Having your application settings checked
Checking the location settings of the MySOS app
Image adapted from: Xiu Ting Wong
Once the spit tests have been done and dusted, and you’ve passed your saliva sample to the personnel, you’re just a few steps away from officially setting foot in Japan.
The next procedure is a short one – you’ll be guided by a staff member to ensure that your location and notification settings for the MySOS app are switched on.
5. Waiting for the test results
Image credit: Xiu Ting Wong
After walking back and forth within the airport, all you’ve got to do now is wait for your test results in the waiting area. Remember the saliva sample tube that was labelled with a number? When the results are out, your assigned number will be displayed on numerous monitors in the area.
Head over to the counter – the staff will hand you a pink slip of paper if you’ve tested negative and are good to go. The whole process can take at least one to two hours, but that’s a rough estimate as it varies depending on the crowd size.
6. Going through immigration and getting your zairyū card
We never thought this day would come after two years of border closures, but here we are, just one stamp on our passport away from the land of next-level convenience stores.
From here on out, it’s pretty much standard procedure. The custom official will scan through your passport and look through the standard disembarkation card and customs form.
If there are no problems, you’d be issued your zairyū card (在留カード; residence card), an identity card that’s issued to foreign residents who plan to live in Japan for more than three months. With that done, you are now well on your way.
7. Factoring enough time for domestic transit
Image credit: Denisse Leon
For travellers who are making a connecting flight in Japan, it’s imperative to factor in enough time to catch the domestic transfer. All international arrivals have to go through immigration procedures at the landing airport before you can pick up your luggage, get out of the international terminal, and commute to domestic terminals to catch your next flight.
To play it safe, make sure there’s at least four to six hours between your flights. Alternatively, if you’ve missed your flight, rescheduling to the next available one is also an option.
8. Transportation
Image credit: Finan Akbar
Under renewed border regulations, travellers who are fully vaccinated (three doses) or entering Japan from a designated country are allowed to use public transport within 24 hours to commute from the airport to their accommodation after the COVID-19 test has been taken.
That said, the government strongly urges all to take the shortest route possible and practice social distancing.
9. Wearing a mask
Image credit: Hakan Nural
Even though mask mandates were never officially issued in Japan, you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who doesn’t have half their face covered. Wearing a mask is still a norm in the country, and with the number of COVID-19 cases rising recently, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Mask up, even if you’re in open spaces or outdoors.
10. Quarantine, if necessary
As determined by the Japanese government, citizens from countries that are deemed to have the Omicron variant under control can avoid self-quarantine. Depending on your vaccination status and departing country, the quarantine period can last from three to seven days. Arrival counts as day zero, which means quarantine will take place over the three subsequent days.
Even if you’ve managed to escape being cooped up in a room, do your due diligence and avoid the 3Cs – closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings – for your first few days in the country.
On a side note, if you test positive at the airport, you will be asked to recuperate at a designated quarantine facility.
Guide to travelling to Japan in 2022
Judging by the trend so far, it looks like Japan is playing it safe and easing regulations in stages. Though self-guided tours are still banned for now, it is a positive sign that the country is gradually opening up to tourists and foreign arrivals.
This article will be updated periodically when there are new regulations, so keep your eyes peeled for the latest news on this space.
For more travel tips, check out:
- Strange laws in Japan
- Best art museums in Japan
- Guide to Japan shrines
- Travel tips for first-time travellers
- Ways to get around in Japan
This article was updated on 31st May 2022 by Xiu Ting Wong.
Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Volodymyr Hryshchenko, JC Gellidon, Kentaro Toma and Sho K
Follow The Smart Local Japan on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for more stories like this.
FAQs
How long does it take to get visa for Japan 2022? ›
The time required from visa application to visa issuance is 5 working days from the day following the date of receipt of the application, provided that there is no particular problem with the content of application.
How much bank balance is required for Japanese visa? ›Applying for a Japanese Tourist Visa having less than Php 10,000/day balance may be approved, as evidenced by legit testimonials from some of my friends who traveled Japan recently, to wit: 6D5N Japan Trip with 40,000 bank balance. Stayed in Japan for 8 days, at least 50,000 balance in bank certificate.
Is Japan issuing tourist visas now? ›Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to travel to Japan must obtain a visa before entering the country, except for those with re-entry permit. In principle, visas are issued to those with "special exceptional circumstances". Meanwhile, visa exemption measures will be resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.
What is the process of Japan visa? ›Japan tourist visa requirements
Hold a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and 2 blank pages. A completed visa application form. Provide a recent color passport photo and a certified copy of your birth certificate. If married, submit a marriage certificate (if issued within the last year.
If you are found eligible to receive a visa on the day of the interview you should allow approximately 10-15 working days for your application to be processed.
How long does it take to process Japanese visa? ›Processing Time
In general, it takes 5 business days to issue a visa. Please note that it may take up to one month due to COVID-related restrictions. We do NOT have expedited services. *The Embassy recommends applying for a visa 1.5 months prior to your departure date.
When departing or entering Japan, you will need to declare if you carry cash exceeding one million Japanese yen or its equivalent in total.
How much money should we show for visa? ›There is no fixed minimum bank balance for US student visa, but one should have 10,000 USD and above to get F-1 visa.
How do I know if my visa is approved? ›Visit the official visa website of the country of visit. Find the option of tracking the visa application status. Enter the acknowledgement number or passport number and the date of birth. Following that, enter the captcha code and click 'submit'.
What are the 4 types of visa? ›Probably one of the four main types: tourist, immigration, student, or work.
Which countries does not allow Japan visa? ›
...
Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)
| Asia | Europe |
|---|---|
| Dominican Republic | Latvia |
| El Salvador | Liechtenstein (Note 6) |
| Guatemala | Lithuania |
| Honduras | Luxembourg |
- Argentina.
- Bahamas.
- Barbados.
- Chile.
- Costa Rica.
- Dominican Republic.
- El Salvador.
- Guatemala.
Japanese Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is the easiest way for most people to get into Japan. Depending on your country, your maximum duration of stay will be different and will range between 1 and 3 months. For some people, you may be able to leave the country and come back and get another tourist visa to stay longer.
The Japan visa requirements for Indians have become pretty straightforward, with typically a processing period of 4 working days at VFS Japan – the official visa application centre for the Japan Embassy in India.
What are the documents required for visa in Japan? ›- A clear photocopy of "Certificate for completion of registration to the ERFS system" is compulsory.
- Visa application form.
- Original Passport along with a photocopy of bio pages.
- Invitation letter.
- Guarantee letter.
- Schedule of stay.
- Declaration form.
- Last 3 months bank statement of Indian company.
At the end of your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied. Visa approval - When approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.
Will I be notified if my visa is approved? ›Overview. If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be available for pick up at the U.S. Embassy. After your interview, you will be notified of the specific time to pick up your visa.
What happens after you get your visa? ›Once you have received your immigrant visa, you must enter the United States within the visa validity period to obtain an alien registration receipt or “green” card (Form I-151 or I-551) that will allow you to live and work in the United States. You will receive your passport from the courier service.
Does Japan visa get rejected? ›If you were granted a Visa in Japan but have not followed the rules like overstayed or worked under your tourist visa, then you may get denied on your next application. Related questions are asked in the Application Form, and you must answer them honestly.
How long does it take for visas to get accepted? ›The US visa processing time depends on the type of visa that you are applying for. It takes from 3 to 5 weeks for a US visa application to get processed. After the processing, the applicant can get a positive reply on their application, and the consulate will deliver the document.
How long does it take to get visa after issued? ›
It takes about 10 business days to receive the visa after an "issued" status. If you don't see your visa in that amount of time, you can contact the embassy or consulate where the application was submitted to get more information. Refused: In some situations, your case will be refused.
How much money should I have to stay a week in Japan? ›The average price of a 7-day trip to Japan is $1,659 for a solo traveler, $2,690 for a couple, and $1,913 for a family of 4. Japan hotels range from $62 to $304 per night with an average of $105, while most vacation rentals will cost $140 to $520 per night for the entire home.
How much money can you take out of an ATM Japan? ›100,000 yen per withdrawal. (For cards with magnetic stripes, limit of 30,000 yen; for American Express cards, limit of 30,000 yen per withdrawal.)
How much cash are you allow to travel with? ›International travelers entering the United States must declare if they are carrying currency or monetary instruments in a combined amount over $10,000 on their Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B) and then file a FinCEN Form 105.
Can embassy check your bank account? ›If you submit a bank statement for a visa purpose, can the embassy counter-check the balance with the bank? Yes they can and they will check the balance.
How much proof of funds do I need for a tourist visa? ›Proof of funds:
Original bank statements from your personal account for the past six months; • The last 6 months of pay slips.
What is the purpose of the bank verification for my visa application? Immigration officials want to know that you have the financial fortitude to support the immigrant in the United States so that they do not become a public charge and financial burden to the government.
Do you get an email when your visa is approved? ›Approved – You have met all the qualifications and are approved to receive a visa. After being approved, you will receive an email during the next 5-10 business days indicating that your passport is ready to pick up at the selected location in your profile.
Can an approved visa be denied? ›After relevant information is reviewed, the application is approved or denied, based on standards established in U.S. law. While the vast majority of visa applications are approved, U.S. law sets out many standards under which a visa application may be denied.
What is the visa process? ›Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases. Content managed by Bureau of Immigration, MHA.
What type of visa is most common? ›
...
US Visitor Visa (Business Visa USA and US Tourist Visa)
| Visa | Purpose of stay |
|---|---|
| B-1 Visa (Business Visitor) | For business travelers who stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
| B-2 Visa (Tourist) | For tourists who want to stay in the U.S. for up to 180 days |
multiple entry facility. (b) Registration : If the Employment visa is valid for a period of more than 180 days, the foreign national concerned should register with the FRRO/FRO concerned within 14 days of arrival.
Which country is not allowed visa? ›| Bhutan | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Grenada (for up to 90 days) |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (for up to 30 days) | Montserrat (for up to 180 days) |
| Turks and Caicos (for up to 90 days) | El Salvador |
| Macau |
A1: The period of validity of a single-entry visa (that becomes invalid as soon as once you enter Japan) is basically three months. Enter Japan within three months of the issuance of the visa. If you wish to postpone your travel for longer than three months, you will be required to make another visa application.
How long can you visit Japan for without a visa? ›A passport and onward/return transportation ticket are required. Visas are not required for tourist/business stay of up to 90 days.
Do you need a no fee to enter Japan? ›“The no-fee passport will allow you to stay in the country for the duration of the assignment.” For entry into Japan, civilian travelers affiliated with the U.S. military just need any valid passport and their other required documents, U.S. Forces Japan spokeswoman Lt. Col.
Can you visit Japan without speaking Japanese? ›Do you need to speak any Japanese to travel around Japan? Absolutely not. You can travel to Japan without learning any of these words and have a great time. People ask us about the Japanese language barrier all the time, with common questions such as, Do Japanese people speak English?
What is the meaning of eTA visa? ›What is an Electronic Travel Authorization? An Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is an entry requirement for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. An eTA is electronically linked to a traveller's passport. It is valid for up to five years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.
Is getting a visa in Japan easy? ›The Japan visa requirements for Indians have become pretty straightforward, with typically a processing period of 4 working days at VFS Japan – the official visa application centre for the Japan Embassy in India.
How long does it take for a visa to be approved? ›Upon receipt of the Visa Application through Indian Visa Application Center or directly, the Indian Mission/ Post requires a minimum of three working days to process the case and issue a visa depending upon the nationality and excluding special cases.
Is getting a Japanese visa hard? ›
Japanese Tourist Visa
A tourist visa is the easiest way for most people to get into Japan. Depending on your country, your maximum duration of stay will be different and will range between 1 and 3 months. For some people, you may be able to leave the country and come back and get another tourist visa to stay longer.
If you were granted a Visa in Japan but have not followed the rules like overstayed or worked under your tourist visa, then you may get denied on your next application. Related questions are asked in the Application Form, and you must answer them honestly.
How do I know if my visa is approved? ›Visit the official visa website of the country of visit. Find the option of tracking the visa application status. Enter the acknowledgement number or passport number and the date of birth. Following that, enter the captcha code and click 'submit'.
How will you respond when your visa is approved? ›I am thankful to you and your team and looking ahead for further processing of my petition. To be very true with you now i am not at all worried as I know I have you. Thank you once again , God bless you.
Why tourist visa gets rejected? ›Reasons for visa refusal
If you have a past history of criminal activities against you. If you apply for a visa without a valid justification on a short notice. If your country of residence does not have does not have a good relationship with your destination country. If you have infectious diseases.
Overview. If your visa application is approved, your passport and visa will be available for pick up at the U.S. Embassy. After your interview, you will be notified of the specific time to pick up your visa.
How long does it take for the passport to arrive after visa approval? ›While passports are often available within one week, the exact time may vary significantly depending on the office used and the workload that the consulate is facing at that particular time.
Can visa processing time 2022? ›It usually takes up to 12 weeks or 90 days to process your application for a Canadian Student Visa.
Which is the most difficult visa to get? ›- North Korea.
- China.
- Russia.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Bhutan.
- Pakistan.
- Nigeria.
- Turkmenistan.
- Russia.
- Cuba.
- Iran.
- Turkmenistan.
- Chad.
- Bhutan.
- Saudi Arabia.
- Afghanistan.
Why is getting a visa so hard? ›
There is a limited lottery for certain countries.
To qualify, applicants must have a high school education and two years of job experience. Since millions of people around the world apply each year, the chances of obtaining a visa through the lottery are extremely low.
Track an application
You can also track your visa application status online. Use the Reference Number present on the invoice/receipt issued by the Japan Visa Application Centre along with your last name to access this service.
- Make sure that you apply on time. ...
- Always check and double-check all documents required for the student visa.
- Make sure that you provide proper proof of English proficiency.
- Ensure that you have documented all your academic qualifications properly.
Immigration protocols play a significant role in a country's safety. Therefore, on failing to adhere to visa rules, your application may get rejected. The most obvious reason for visa rejection is missing documents or information failing to prove your eligibility to visit the desired country.