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Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (November 8, 2021)
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11 MINUTE READ
November 8, 2021

Location: Japan

UPDATED TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

NEW QUARANTINE POLICY FOR U.S. BUSINESS TRAVELERS TO JAPAN

The Government of Japan has announced that as of November 8, 2021, fully vaccinated business travelers may be able to travel to Japan and will be eligible for a reduced, three-day quarantine period. Currently recognized vaccines in Japan include Pfizer, Moderna, or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. Details of the new policy are likely to change with little notice. Travelers who believe they are eligible to travel under the new policy should contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional information.

This policy does not apply to those non-residents seeking to travel for tourism, family visitation, or other non-business purposes.

Before applying for a short-term business visa, each traveler will need to secure a “Responsible Stakeholder” to sponsor them while in Japan. The “Responsible Stakeholder” first must seek approval from the relevant Japanese ministry. Following ministry approval, the “Responsible Stakeholder” will communicate directly with the traveler in order to proceed with applying for a business-related visa.

Once a short-term business visa has been issued, business travelers will be required to:

  • Conduct pre-travel COVID testing using methods approved by MOFA and MHLW
  • Provide proof of vaccination upon entry into Japan
  • Complete COVID-19 testing at the airport
  • Comply with all entry requirements
  • Provide proof of medical insurance while in Japan, sponsorship documents, a written pledge, and an approved activity plan
  • Self-quarantine for three days in a hotel or private residence, and
  • Complete additional COVID-19 testing after day three

Once test results are verified, immigration authorities will authorize travelers to proceed with their pre-approved travel plans. Additional details are posted (in Japanese) on the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s website. Travelers will be required to keep copies of vaccination records with them.

Details on what types of activities are allowed after Day Four, including what types of transportation is allowed, and what to do if you feel ill are available (in Japanese) on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

UPDATED TRAVEL POLICY FOR RETURNING RESIDENTS RE-ENTERING JAPAN AFTER BUSINESS TRAVEL

Fully vaccinated Japanese citizens and foreign residents of Japan who are re-entering Japan after business-related travel will be eligible for a reduced, three-day quarantine period. Details are posted (in Japanese) on the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare’s website.

UPDATED TRAVEL POLICY FOR STUDENTS, TECHNICAL TRAINEES, AND OTHERS ENTERING JAPAN

Under Japan’s new policy, as of November 8, 2021, foreign students, technical trainees, and certain new long-term residents may be allowed to enter Japan.

Like business travelers, the sponsoring “Responsible Stakeholder” will seek approval from the relevant ministry. Following ministry approval, the “Responsible Stakeholder” will communicate directly with the traveler to proceed with applying for the appropriate visa. Travelers who believe they may be eligible under the updated policy should contact their school or sponsoring organization directly for additional information. Travelers will be required to comply with all testing and quarantine requirements.

NEW VACCINE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES

Effective November 8, all non-citizen, nonimmigrant (not a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident, or traveling to the United States on an immigrant visa) airline passengers traveling to the United States must demonstrate proof of vaccination as defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Order prior to boarding a U.S. bound aircraft. More details regarding what constitutes full vaccination are available on this page of the CDC website.

Fully vaccinated travelers will continue to be required to show a pre-departure negative test taken within three days of travel to the United States prior to boarding. This applies to all travelers – U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and foreign nationals. To further strengthen protections, unvaccinated travelers – whether U.S. citizens, LPRs, or the small number of excepted unvaccinated foreign nationals – will now need to test within one day of departure.

TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES: CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF 2 AND 17

U.S. citizen and LPR children between the ages of two and 17 may board a flight to the United States with a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test conducted on a specimen collected no more than three days before departure if traveling accompanied by fully vaccinated parents or guardians.

If traveling unaccompanied or if one or more of the parents or guardians accompanying the child is not fully vaccinated, the child must present a negative pre-departure COVID-19 viral test on a specimen collected no more than one day before departure.

TRAVEL TO THE UNITED STATES: CHILDREN UNDER 2 YEARS OF AGE

While children under two years of age are not required to get a test, CDC recommends a pre-departure test for these children whenever possible.

Additional information may be found on CDC’s website.

Passengers will need to show their vaccination status, and airlines will need to:

  • Match the name and date of birth to confirm the passenger is the same person reflected on the proof of vaccination.
  • Determine that the record was issued by an official source (e.g., public health agency, government agency) in the country where the vaccine was given.
  • Review the essential information for determining if the passenger meets CDC’s definition for fully vaccinated such as vaccine product, number of vaccine doses received, date(s) of administration, site (e.g., vaccination clinic, healthcare facility) of vaccination.
  • Deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements or those who test positive for COVID-19.

For additional information or if you have specific questions, please contact your airline and visit the CDC’s website.

ACTIONS TO TAKE:

  • Monitor the CDC website for the latest guidance regarding testing requirements.
  • Check with your air carriers or travel representative prior to departure for the United States.
  • Check COVID-19 Country Specific Information pages for updated information on COVID-19 related to the availability of testing.
  • Visit travel.state.gov to view individual Travel Advisories for the most urgent threats to safety and security.
  • Click here for our Travel to the U.S. FAQs.

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State Department – Consular Affairs 888-407-4747

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