Japan: Officials to allow foreign tourists on package tours from June 10 /update 81

Event

Officials in Japan will allow tourist travel from blue locations via approved packaged tours from June 10. The government classifies countries into three categories - red, yellow, and blue - depending on COVID-19 activity; blue locations are assessed to have the lowest virus risk. Travelers from blue countries on approved package tours do not need to undergo any on-arrival tests or quarantine but must present a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure. Passengers must complete a health form and obtain a QR code before disembarkation by clicking here. Officials will also begin to allow international flights to land at New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido and Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa.

Domestic Measures
Officials allow up to 50-percent capacity at sports and entertainment venues. Facemasks are not required while outdoors, provided social distancing is maintained. Companies must adhere to social distancing protocols. Some organizations have reduced capacity at facilities, established temperature checks, or encouraged telecommuting for employees. Physical distancing requirements are in place on most long-distance transport services. However, officials have advised individuals to take antigen tests before large gatherings or travel across prefecture borders.

International Travel Restrictions
Japan allows citizens, permanent residents, foreign residents, diplomats, and people with humanitarian reasons to enter the country. International students and business travelers may also enter Japan. Officials will allow approved packaged tours for travelers from blue-list locations from June 10. All permitted entrants must present negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. The government does not permit people who cannot undergo testing to board flights or enter Japan. Exceptions may be possible in some circumstances; however, affected passengers must contact their local Japanese diplomatic mission before departure. While authorities have lifted an entry ban on travelers from 106 countries, the government continues to require visas for travel. Despite the official reduction in border controls, the decision effectively does not alter Japan's border measures. A list of permitted locations is available by clicking here.

From June 1, authorities will divide countries and regions according to three categories depending on COVID-19 risk, with the following testing and quarantine requirements:

• Blue: Travelers are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

• Yellow: Unvaccinated passengers must self-quarantine for seven days. Individuals that receive a negative COVID-19 test result on day 3 may exit quarantine. Travelers who have received three vaccination doses are exempt from testing and quarantine requirements.

• Red: Arrivals must undergo institutional quarantine for three days; individuals that test negative for COVID-19 on day 3 can exit quarantine. Passengers who have received three vaccination doses can self-quarantine for seven days; travelers that undergo testing on day 3 and receive a negative result can exit quarantine.

A complete list of affected locations and quarantine requirements is available here.

Arrivals that need to quarantine must complete a pledge to abide by quarantine orders, maintain location data on their mobile phones, and refrain from using public transport for the first seven days in the country. Officials could publicly name citizens and foreign residents who violate quarantine orders; foreign nationals could also lose their residence status.

Flights from South Korea and China are only authorized to land at Narita International Airport (NRT) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Transit flights for foreign nationals are only allowed through NRT. International passenger ferry services remain suspended.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Confirm international flight reservations. Closely monitor national travel advisories, as additional restrictions to and from Japan are possible.

Resources

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan National Tourism Organization