Japan Lifted Entry Restrictions for all Tourists On October 11, 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in March 2020, Japan started to restrict the entry of foreign tourists, now, starting on October 11th 2022, both tour groups and individual tourists is finally allowed to enter Japan.

With this announcement from the government, Chef’s Wonderland has been flooded with inquiries. In the list below, find everything you need to know before making your plans to visit Japan.

Who can enter the country?

As of October 11, 2022, both individual tourists and group tours can enter the country. Generally speaking, it seems that foreigners can enter the country just the same as they did before the pandemic.

Do I need a visa?

As before the COVID-19 outbreak, foreign nationals from visa-exempt countries do not need to apply for a visa if they are staying three months or less (with some exceptions). For the 68 countries/regions that are visa exempt as of October 11, 2022, please refer to the following website.

For countries/regions other than the 68 mentioned above, visitors will need to apply for a visa before coming to Japan.

Do I need to be fully vaccinated to enter Japan?

In order to enter Japan, visitors are required to submit proof of full vaccination with three doses of any of the vaccines listed on the website (two doses are acceptable for some vaccines).

Or they may submit a negative COVID-19 test result certificate taken within 72 hours before departure.

Please be sure to check with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in advance if the vaccines you have received are acceptable and if the vaccination certificate you have obtained meets the standards recognized by the Japanese government.

Those who have not been vaccinated three times can enter the country by submitting a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken within 72 hours before departure.

What is MySOS? (Visit Japan Web)

To simplify the immigration process, visitors are encouraged to register their proof of vaccination via the MySOS website or MySOS app.

Showing the immigration officer your proof of vaccination and being checked for fever can take time, therefore, if you have registered in advance using MySOS and your status is confirmed, you should be able to enter the country quickly and smoothly.

If you have a smart-phone, you can download the app, upload your passport and your vaccination certificate and then fill in the questionnaire. Your information will be reviewed and you will receive notification of the results within a few hours to a day. If your current status says “Review Completed”, then you are done.

※If your arrival date is on and after November 14th, please use Visit Japan Web (available from November 1st).

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

As of October 2022, most people are still wearing masks on trains.

In order to avoid needless problems, we recommend that you take a look at what the people around you are doing and decide for yourself whether you should wear a mask or not.

What if I get COVID-19 while in Japan?

If you catch COVID-19, you can go to a hospital for treatment, and you will need to stay isolated for a while at your accommodations.

Since there are not many hospitals where the staff can speak English, it would be a good idea to check in advance. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance.

How is crime and inflation in Japan?

Although the pandemic has damaged the economy to some degree, the security situation in Japan has not really changed.

Prices have risen due to the pandemic and the war in the Ukraine, but if compared to 2019, prices have not risen as much as they have in other countries.

Is it still possible to attend culinary school?

Schools in Japan still require students to wear masks, so that is one factor to keep in mind.

Schools have started accepting foreign students as they did before the pandemic, but some schools have changed their course curriculum, so it’s better to check before enrolling.

Foreigners wishing to visit Japan and study at a culinary school, feel free to contact us at Chef’s Wonderland, a study abroad agency specializing in the culinary arts!

What would you like to know more?

What would you like to know more?