05 Jan 2023 | 05:27 AM UTC
Japan: Officials to tighten COVID-19 entry restrictions for entrants from mainland China effective Jan. 8 /update 90
Japan further tightens COVID-19 measures for travelers from mainland China from Jan. 8. Restrictions for Hong Kong flights relaxed.
Event
The Japanese government will further tighten entry rules for travelers from mainland China, excluding Hong Kong and Macau, from Jan. 8. Travelers must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before boarding. The strengthened measures are part of curbs placed on arrivals from mainland China in effect since Dec. 30. Additionally, Japanese officials will lift restrictions for flights from Hong Kong beginning Jan. 8, allowing all flights from the territory to land at any airports. Flights previously could only land at designated airports, including Chubu Centrair (NGO), Fukuoka (FUK), Kansai (KIX), Naha (OKA), Narita (NRT), New Chitose (CTS) and Tokyo (HND) international airports. Authorities may amend restrictions at short notice.
Domestic Measures
Officials do not require facemasks 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. Officials allow up to 5,000 people or 50 percent capacity at sports and entertainment venues, whichever is larger. Physical distancing requirements are in place on most long-distance transport services.
Locally acquired symptomatic COVID-19 cases must self-quarantine for seven days; people can only exit quarantine 24 hours after symptoms improve. Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients only need to self-quarantine, except to make essential purchases, for five days but must return a negative test result before fully reentering the community. Close contacts of COVID-19 cases must self-quarantine for five days but may exit isolation on day 3 if they test negative on days 2 and 3 of quarantine.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities permit travel from all locations, and visa-free arrangements have resumed for applicable countries. Passengers must complete a health form and obtain a QR code before disembarkation. Travelers who have received at least three doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from pre-arrival testing requirements with proof of vaccination. However, travelers without three vaccination shots must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure.
Individuals, regardless of nationality, entering via a direct flight from mainland China or with a travel history to mainland China within the past seven days must undergo on-arrival testing. These travelers must submit proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before boarding. Passengers who test positive during the on-arrival test must quarantine at a designated facility for seven days; asymptomatic individuals may exit quarantine if a repeat test on the fifth day is negative. Flights from mainland China and Macau are limited to the Chubu Centrair (NGO), Kansai (KIX), Narita (NRT), and Tokyo (HND) international airports.
Advice
Follow all official instructions.
