Happy new year, it’s time for some good news – travel to Japan is almost as easy as it was pre-pandemic! It’s not completely back to normal, but at least it isn’t as difficult or stressful as it was 1 or 2 years back.
The borders officially opened on October 11, 2022, which means you can once again visit Japan as a tourist without applying for a visa beforehand. Time to pack those bags!

“Do I need to be vaccinated?” “Is there still a quarantine requirement?” “What if I’m traveling with children?”
Before jet setting, there are still a few Covid related procedures to be aware of. Keep reading to know how to plan your trip to enter the country as seamlessly as possible.
*The entry requirements are constantly changing. This information is up-to-date as of January 6, 2023. US citizens can refer here for the latest info.
For Travelers Who Are Fully Vaccinated*
*Being fully vaccinated is defined as having received three doses of vaccines prescribed on the Emergency Use List by the World Health Organization.
- NO PCR test needed before travel
- NO test on arrival in Japan
- NO quarantine necessary
- YES proof of vaccination is required
- YES register your travel on Visit Japan Web for Fast Track (expedited entry)
Things are most straightforward for those who have been fully vaccinated. The only thing you need to do before flying is to register your trip on Visit Japan Web.

After signing up for an account, register your travel plans by providing flight, accommodation, and passport information. Afterward, submit a copy of your vaccination certificate.
Once uploaded, the certificate will be processed and if it is accepted, you will receive a blue screen that says you have completed all pre-registration for quarantine procedures. Screenshot this screen as you will need it once you get to Japan.
At the airport check-in counter, you will be asked to show your proof of vaccination (not the blue screen).
Once in Japan, you will only need to show your blue screen to have expedited “Fast Track” entry and skip the arrival tests.
You will go through immigration and customs as usual, but on Visit Japan Web you can fill out some of the forms digitally to make the process even faster.
And that’s it! Getting into Japan when you’re vaccinated requires just simple registration on Visit Japan Web and uploading your vaccination certificate. It’s not a terrible process but hopefully, there will be a day when this too is no longer necessary.

For Travellers Who Aren’t Fully Vaccinated
- YES a negative PCR test is required within 72 hours of departure flight
- NO test on arrival in Japan
- NO quarantine necessary
- YES register travel through Visit Japan Web for Fast Track (expedited entry)
Travelers who aren’t fully vaccinated can still enter Japan but need to provide a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of departure. More details about the specifics of the test requirements can be found on Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare site.
At check-in, the negative test will need to be shown.
In Japan: same as for vaccinated travelers, you should register your trip on Visit Japan Web and upload the negative test certificate to get expedited entry.

What About Children Traveling to Japan?
The following table is from the US Embassy and details what is necessary for children traveling with their parents to Japan.

Welcome to Japan!
If you have jumped through the few remaining hoops, congratulations, and welcome to an amazing country! For ideas on what to do during your stay, check out some of these travel guides or my Youtube channel.
If you like eating Japanese food:
If you like hiking:
If you are headed to Kyushu: read these Kyushu Travel Guides!