28 Apr 2023 | 10:50 AM UTC
Japan: Officials to no longer require COVID-19 test or vaccination proof from entrants effective April 29 /update 94
Japan to further ease COVID-19 measures for international travelers effective April 29. Other domestic measures ongoing.
Event
The Japanese government will further ease entry rules for international travelers effective 00:01 April 29. Arrivals will no longer need to submit a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure or proof of receiving a booster dose after primary vaccination. Authorities will also remove the health form system to obtain a QR code starting April 29. Under the new directives, passengers on direct flights from mainland China will no longer be subject to random testing. However, symptomatic entrants - regardless of origin - may undergo on-arrival testing and isolation if necessary. Authorities also plan to lift all COVID-19-related measures from May 8. Officials may amend restrictions at short notice.
Domestic Measures
Facemasks are not required in outdoor spaces with adequate social distancing. Physical distancing requirements are in place for most long-distance transport services and business establishments. Sports and entertainment venues may operate at full capacity. Domestic travelers under government-subsidized travel campaigns require pre-departure COVID-19 testing and/or vaccine certificates. Officials strongly advise symptomatic COVID-19 cases to self-quarantine for seven days; people are advised to only exit quarantine 24 hours after symptoms subside. Most ongoing domestic curbs are set to end on May 8.
International Travel Restrictions
Authorities permit travel from all locations, and visa-free arrangements have resumed for applicable countries. As of April 28, passengers must complete a health form and obtain a QR code before departure. Travelers who carry proof of having received a booster dose in addition to a primary vaccination series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine are exempt from pre-arrival testing requirements. Others must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. The entry rules will cease April 29.
Advice
Follow all official instructions.
