Entry conditions and necessary documents when entering Japan (as of 15:00 on June 19, 2023)
This applies to all people entering Japan from overseas (regardless of nationality/Japanese people are also required).
Please also be sure to check the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare's "border control measures."
Documents required when entering Japan (from April 29, 2023)
Valid passport (original)
*Vaccination passports and negative certificates are no longer required.
*The "Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)" button has been removed from the VISIT JAPAN WEB.
As of midnight on April 29, 2023, the "Quarantine Procedures (Fast Track)" button on the Visit Japan web service has been removed due to the following measures.
(The "Customs Declaration" and "Immigration Inspection" services related to the entry procedures for foreign nationals will remain available.)
The Visit Japan Web service allows you to complete immigration inspections (records of entry for foreign nationals) and customs declarations (declaration of personal effects and unaccompanied baggage) online.
It can be used by people entering Japan from overseas as well as those returning to Japan.
Digital Agency | Visit Japan Web (online immigration procedure service)
Visas and status of residence for foreigners
As of October 11, 2022, restrictions on new entry for foreign nationals have been lifted.
New foreign nationals entering Japan must have valid travel documents and visas (except for those who are exempt and those from exempt countries and regions).
Revision of the consumption tax exemption system (effective April 1, 2023)
From April 1, 2023, the consumption tax exemption system will be revised, and those who meet the non resident requirements stipulated in Article 6, Paragraph 1, Item 6 (Definition) of the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act and the following requirements will be eligible for tax free purchases.
Japanese nationals who reside overseas will be required to provide proof that they have resided outside of Japan for more than two years (a residence certificate or a copy of their family register), so please be careful when shopping in Japan for a temporary return to Japan.
Required documents for transit by country
For transit to Europe
If you are transiting through Germany, London, or France and entering Japan, you do not need any additional documents.
No special documents are required for transit through the international area, including entry.Please check the documents required for entry into Japan and Brazil.
For Middle East transit
If you are entering Japan via "Doha, Dubai, or Istanbul", no additional documents are required.
No special documents are required for transiting within the international area for less than 24 hours without entering Japan. Please check the documents required for entry into Japan and Brazil
If transiting within the US
If you are transiting within the United States and entering Japan, you will need an ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).
No special documents are required for transit within 24 hours in the international area without entering the country. Please check the documents required for entry into Japan and Brazil.
<Important Notice>
The following travelers are no longer eligible to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)：
- Those who are nationals of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program and have traveled to or been present in Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 (there are exceptions for those who have traveled to these countries to perform official duties as military or regular government employees of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program)
- " Dual nationals of a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program and a national of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria (For more information, please see the Department of State website "Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015")
- Citizens of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program who have traveled to or stayed in Cuba on or after January 12, 2021
As of May 12, 2023 (US time), it is no longer necessary to present the vaccination certificates and declarations listed below.
- Vaccination certificate (for those aged 18 and over)Æ
- US entry declaration (required even for transit flights) https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/order-safe-travel.html ← Please click and select the ENGLISH version.