We are delighted that the Japanese government has announced that, from October 11th, travel restrictions for tourism will be further loosened. Independent travel is now possible and package tour and group tour restrictions no longer apply. The cap on the number of daily arrivals will be removed, and ERFS certificates will also no longer be required.

What is required to enter Japan after 11 October 2022?

An official certificate of vaccination showing that travelers have received a full course of vaccine and at least one booster shot of one of the COVID-19 vaccine types accepted by the Japanese government, which can be found here.

OR

A certificate of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure (must be a type accepted by Japan), which can be found here.

A top tip:

To ease your entry into Japan we recommend (not compulsory but advised) is the MySOS app. Having this app will "Fast Track" your entry to Japan and travellers can walk straight through quarantine because they have already pre-qualified themselves. Travelers can upload their vaccination details in advance and be pre-approved. All details can be found here: www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/fasttrack/en/

What about the Covid19 related visa requirements?

As of 11 October, visa requirements have been lifted for travelers from countries that previously had a visa waiver program with Japan. This means that for travellers from 68 countries, most restrictions have been lifted. This includes the United States, Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Canada, and New Zealand. You can see a full list here.

Nationals of EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand plus some other countries will not require visas for Japan, but please see the website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to see if your country is exempt from applying for a visa in advance, and check for the most up to date information: www.mofa.go.jp/. It is your responsibility to check that you do not need a visa. We cannot accept responsibility if you are denied entry into Japan. You will be given a landing card on your flight to Japan on which you should fill in the address of your first hotel in Japan.

Masks

Even pre-Covid-19, people wore masks in Japan if they had a cold or infection. Masks are still very much the norm here, and there is an expectation that masks are worn in busier public spaces, and enclosed spaces such as trains and buses. There is no law which requires you to wear a mask, but things naturally take order here in Japan in consideration of others and social expectations.

While exercising or being out on the trail, masks are not required. But if you find yourself engaged in conversation with a local along the way, they will usually slip on a mask as they approach to speak with you, and the expectation is you do the same as a courtesy. Generally, we recommend you take the approach of common sense prevails. For example, If you are standing in a hotel lobby, or store and you are the only person not wearing a mask, you may feel compelled to wear one.

Onsen’s (Bathing) - Do you need to wear a mask in the hot spring baths?

The answer is no - you don't wear anything in the onsen baths. Just keep a respectful distance if possible.

Hand sanitizer is abundant and used liberally. Every supermarket, hotel, even convenience store has hand sanitizer ready to go!