Japan End All Covid-Related Entry Rules In May

Excellent news came out last week as it was announced that Japan will be lifting all of the remaining Covid-related entry rules at the beginning of next month. 

The Government in Japan and in the UK have both confirmed that international travellers to the destination will no longer have to face Covid-related entry rules from the 8th of May 2023. Covid-19 will be categorised by the Japanese authorities as a ‘common disease’ from the same date, allowing the relaxation of many covid-related rules across the country.  

At present, any international traveller to Japan is required to provide evidence of three doses of an approved version of the Covid vaccine, including their booster shot. Alternatively, they can provide proof of a negative PCR test taken 72 hours pre-departure. 

From the 8th of May, however, neither of these restrictions will be in place for any international traveller, regardless of vaccination status. According to the reports, this move was made by Japan in order to boost the tourism sector for the country as they are currently one of the strictest destinations in the world for Covid-related rules.  

The government department said, “Those who are entering Japan on or after May 8, 2023, will not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or pre-departure inspection certificate, as the category of Covid-19 will be changed to a Class V infectious disease under the infectious disease control law.  

“However, please note that quarantine measures upon entry into Japan may be strengthened as necessary if a new infectious disease outbreak occurs overseas.” 

The FCDO have also now partially updated the Foreign Travel Advice page for Japan, but it warns travellers to the destination that, “Rules may be subject to change at short notice.”   

International travellers to Japan are also required to submit information to the Japanese authorities before they take a flight to Japan. This must be done through the Visit Japan website.  

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