Japan announced last month (read more here) that they would end Covid related border control measures on May 8, but they have now decided to lift them 10 days early, that being this Saturday (April 29, 2023).
All travelers to Japan, including its citizens and permanent residents, must be triple-vaccinated or have a negative Covid test not older than 72 hours at the time of departure. However, these are no longer mandatory from tomorrow.
These measures are to be lifted before the Golden Week holidays are set to begin and in anticipation of a surge of travel.
The government has also lifted random Covid tests from mainland arrivals.
A testing trial will be launched on May 8, 2023, at major airports for passengers with Covid like symptoms, but even that will be voluntary.
Our Japan Reopening Coverage:
Japan Ends Border Control Measures On May 8, 2023
Japan Entry Experience March 2023 Through Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
Reminder: Use “Visit Japan Web” To Record Your Vaccination Information To Ensure Smoother Entry
Japan No Longer Recommends You To Wear Mask
Japan Relaxes Visitor Arrivals From China On March 1, 2023
Japan Plans To Lower Covid Categorization From 2 To 5 On May 8, 2023
Japan Entry Experience Through Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport January 2023
Japan Launches “Visit Japan Web” That Incoming Passengers Must Use From November 14, 2022
Japan Reinstates Visa-Free Travel & Removes Daily Arrivals Cap On October 11, 2022
Japan Non-Guided Tour & ERFS Issuance For Tourist Visa Purposes
Conclusion
Japan was one of the last countries to reopen to international visitors in late 2022. I arranged a “personal tour visa” before the opening and enjoyed very reasonable hotel rates for a few weeks.
When I flew to Japan last time in March, I only had to “certify” during the online check-in process that I was either sufficiently vaccinated (I am – four shots) or had a recent Covid test. Lufthansa did not check these at any point, but I uploaded them to the Visit Japan Web to get clearance and a stress-free entry.
I am glad that Japan has now removed the last barriers to entry, but remember that vaccines save lives.