Japan PM finally confirms further reopening on 11 October 2022 and it includes the resumption of visa-free travel for individuals!
Without a doubt, Japan is one of the most awaited destinations since leisure travel resumed with most of the world. Like us, you’re probably itching to go shopping in Tokyo, visit the new Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan, and marvel at the beauty of the pure snow powder in winter!
Even though Japan may have reopened to tour groups since June, nothing sparked more excitement than the recent reports that the government may finally allow individual travellers once again.
These reports were finally confirmed on 22 September, when Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that border measures will be further relaxed on 11 October. This includes the removal of the cap on tourist numbers, resumption of visa-free travel, and allowing free individual travellers to return.
Sugoi! But before you get overly excited about it, let us explain what are the new travel requirements in this quick guide!
Packaged Tour and Tourist Visa no longer required starting 11 October
Currently, one of the main requirements for leisure travellers to visit Japan is that they must visit as part of packaged tours. However, it was also reported that travellers would no longer be required to book a tour from any tour agencies starting 11 October. This means you are free to book your air tickets and accommodation as well as plan your own free & easy itinerary.
At the same time, visa-free travel will resume for travellers from countries that did not require a visa pre-COVID. And this includes Singapore, which previously enjoyed 90 days of visa-free for temporary visits.
For travellers from other countries, please refer to this list for Visa exemption requirements.
Japan Entry Requirements for Travellers from Australia and New Zealand
Japan has divided the countries of the world into three groups for entry: Red, Yellow, and Blue. And each of them comes with its own vaccination, testing, and quarantine rules.
Great news, Australia and New Zealand have been classified under the Blue group, which means that no on-arrival test and quarantine will be required, starting 1 June 2022. This applies to both vaccinated and non-vaccinated travellers. That means you're good to kickstart your tour of Japan the moment you arrive.
However, do note that Japan will assess your eligibility based on your 14-day travel history prior to arrival. Should you have visited a country in the Yellow or Red groups, you will be subjected to the following measures:
Vaccinated with Certificate | On-Arrival Test | Quarantine Period |
|---|---|---|
🟦 Blue Group | ||
No | Not required | Not required |
Yes | Not required | Not required |
Notable Countries: Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States of America. Complete list here | ||
🟨 Yellow Group | ||
No | PCR | 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test |
Yes | Not Required | Not Required |
Notable Countries: India, Macau, Maldives, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Vietnam. Complete list here | ||
🟥 Red Group | ||
No | PCR | 3-day quarantine at a designated facility + negative PCR test at the facility |
Yes | PCR | 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test or 5-day home quarantine without test |
Countries: None at the moment | ||
#KlookTip: Always check for the latest information and guidelines at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website.
1. Ensure you are Fully Vaccinated for Quarantine-Free Travel
Since 7 September, fully-vaccinated travellers will no longer be required to take a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test in Australia or New Zealand within 72 hours before your departure. Japan only recognises the following COVID-19 vaccines to be considered as a vaccinated traveller:
- Comirnaty/Pfizer (Third dose required)
- COVAXIN/Bharat Biotech (Only 2 doses required)
- Janssen & Janssen (Only 1 dose required)
- Moderna (Third dose required)
- Nuvaxovid/Novavax (Third dose required)
- Vaxzevria/AstraZeneca (Only 2 doses required)
To prove that you are fully vaccinated, you will have to digitally endorse your Singapore vaccination certificate via Notarise or download from HealthHub.
#KlookTip: While Japan does not require travellers from Australia, New Zealand and other Blue Group countries to be fully vaccinated, all unvaccinated travellers will be required to take a pre-departure PCR within 72 hours of departure.
2. Install MySOS App
There are a total of 4 steps to complete your Fast Track registration on the MySOS app. Once completed, you will see a blue screen.
You are required to download the MySOS App to report your health condition and location after entering Japan. It is also used to pre-register for Fast Track - the quarantine procedures declaration you are required to show upon arrival at the airport in Japan.
You may do so after you have received your PCR test result and at least 6 hours before arrival in Japan. These are the documents you need to prepare for registration:
- Passport
- Vaccination certificate (Optional for Singapore)
- PCR Test results certificate
You may follow the detailed guide here to complete your Fast Track application.
#KlookTip: For those travelling with children aged 12 and under, you may include them in your own Fast Track application.
3. Buy Travel Insurance
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related medical/treatment expenses and hospitalisation costs. We recommend the InsureandGo travel insurance - use KLOOK15 for a discount!
