HONOLULU (KHON2) – The travel relationship between Japan and the United States has a long history. However, COVID-19 has hindered this otherwise rewarding relationship.
Effective Saturday, April 29, 2023, all travelers arriving in Japan from the United States will no longer be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter, the US Embassy has announced.
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Military travelers arriving in Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement need to consult their chain of command, the embassy said. This is to ensure military personnel are aware of any applicable requirements prior to travel.
US embassies have very limited powers to intervene on behalf of travelers.Whether you are denied boarding at the boarding point or upon arrival in Japan, those denied entry at a Japanese port of entry may be immediately reboarded on a flight back to the U.S.
The rather complex issue of travel regulations and restrictions is further complicated because they can change with little notice. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens traveling to Japan to carefully read all information provided by the Japanese government.
The U.S. embassy also said that any travelers who do not know or are unsure if they are eligible to travel to Japan need to contact their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for more information.
The advice also applies to all travelers to Japan, regardless of status, as relations between countries change frequently.
The US Embassy does have some useful websites for you to use when planning your trip to Japan:
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Resuming cross-border travel in stages.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Apply for visas for foreigners who are eligible for phased measures to resume cross-border travel.
- Foreign Office: Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
- For specific questions about Japanese government travel restrictions: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japan Immigration Information Center.
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Passengers entering Japan can use electronic customs clearance gates (e-Gates) for customs clearance.
