Relaxation of COVID-19-related Border Measures (effective from October 11, 2022)
Oct 14, 2022
On September 26, the Japanese government announced details of the new COVID-19-related border measures. Consequently, from October 11, the restriction on the number of entrants will be removed, and visa exemption arrangements with 68 countries and regions will be resumed. Simultaneously, applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) by the receiving organization in Japan, a requirement for new entry of foreign nationals, will no longer be necessary. Also, regarding the vaccination certificate (for three doses) required for passengers entering Japan to be exempt from on-arrival tests, accepted vaccines will be expanded to COVID-19 vaccines withWorld Health Organization’s (WHO’s) list.
From 00:00 JST on October 11, 2022, the following new measures will apply:
1. Review of restrictions on the new entry of foreign nationals
Regarding new entry of foreign nationals into Japan, applications in the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up Systems (ERFS) by the receiving organization located in Japan are no longer necessary from October 11. In addition, the measure to limit the entry of foreign tourists to those on package tours will be lifted at the same time.
2. Reinstatement of visa exemption arrangements
Visa exemption arrangements will resume.
3. Review of inspections
On arrival test, self-quarantine in own residence or accommodation, monitoring during self-quarantine, or refraining from use of public transportation are no longer required, except for returnees or entrants with suspected infections. However, all returnees and entrants must submit a vaccination* certificate (for three doses) or a Covid-19 negative test certificate (the test must be conducted within 72 hours before departure).
4. Review of the restriction on the number of entrants
The current cap of 50,000 entrants per day will be removed.
For more details, visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
