Japan: Officials maintaining domestic and international COVID-19 measures as of July 15 /update 82

Event

Officials in Japan are maintaining domestic and international COVID-19 measures as of July 15.

Domestic Measures
Officials allow up to 5000 people or 50-percent capacity at sports and entertainment venues, whichever is larger. 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, business travelers, and tourists on packaged tours may also enter Japan. All permitted entrants must present negative results of a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. Passengers must complete a health form and obtain a QR code before disembarkation by clicking here. 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. An entry ban is in effect for certain locations in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Middle East. The list of affected countries is available by clicking here.

Authorities 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 regardless of vaccination status; 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.

Officials allow international flights to land at most major airports in Japan, including Narita International Airport (NRT) in Narita, Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Osaka, Haneda International Airport (HND) in Tokyo, New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Hokkaido, and Naha Airport (OKA) in Okinawa. 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