
Japan Travel Restrictions Update during COVID-19 Pandemic
Immigration
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and new virus variants continuously surprising us, traveling has been at the bottom of people’s to-do lists. During travel restrictions due to COVID-19, have you been wondering when you can enter Japan? As of January 6, 2022, this blog will update you on Japan’s travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This blog is based on the latest version of Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (released on January 6, 2022).
If you’re interested in learning a few Japanese words about this topic, please feel free to take a look below:
Newly entering the country – 新規入国 (shinki nyuukoku)
Measures (to prevent the spread) – 対策 (taisaku)
Foreign Nationality – 外国籍 (gaikokuseki)
Re-entering the country – 再入国 (sainyuukoku)
Quarantine – 検疫 (keneki) or 隔離 (kakuri)
Test Certificate (for PCR test) – 検査証明書 (kensa shoumeisho)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs – 外務省 (gaimushou)
Cross Border Japan Travel Restrictions Update
Table of Contents
Entering Japan for Foreign Nationals
As of January 6, 2022, foreign nationals are still not allowed to enter the country. Check the chart below to see if the country you’re coming from falls under the travel restrictions list:
However, if you are a foreign national who has special circumstances, you are required to apply for the appropriate visa at an embassy, consulate or consular office of Japan. To learn more about the visa application process and other details, click here.
Visa Updates for Japan
Since the spread of the Omicron variant was announced, Japan made the decision to change the rules for visas. Japan took the step to suspend the validity of visas that were issued by December 2, 2021. At the moment, this does not apply to those who hold the status of “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Diplomat”. To read more about visa suspensions, check out the information on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affair website here.
Re-entering Japan as a Foreign National with a Residence Status
As of December 2, 2021, those who’ve applied 14 days prior to the landing application and are coming from one of the countries listed below are not allowed to enter Japan:
- Angola
- Botswana
- Eswatini
- The Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Lesotho
- Malawi
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe

Quarantine in Japan after Entering
After you enter Japan, you are required to do the following:
- Submit an official certificate showing that you have a negative test result of COVID-19 which was conducted within 72 hours before your departure
- Do a PCR Test for COVID-19 at the time you enter Japan
- Stay 14 days at a designated location assigned by the quarantine station chief or your own residence
- Refrain from riding any form of public transportation
To learn more about quarantine measures from your country and see other details, click here.
We hope this blog helped inform you about the latest updates for Japan travel restrictions. For your safety and peace of mind, Smiles will keep you updated about the latest Japan travel restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep smiling!
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
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