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• Please check here before visiting Tokyo—Information to help make your trip safer and more enjoyable

Main content starts here.

Updated: February 20, 2024

Japan has reopened to international travel, and all border measures relating to COVID-19 were lifted as of April 29, 2023. However, in order to have a safer and more enjoyable visit to Tokyo, it is important to know what to do if something unexpected happens. This page collects information from the Japanese Government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government regarding COVID-19, as well as measures taken against the virus by various local businesses and institutions, and also a few requests to travelers visiting Tokyo. Please make sure to take a look at the following, and enjoy a safe and pleasant trip to Tokyo.

Planning a Visit to Japan

Initiatives by transportation systems.

As of April 29, 2023, it is no longer necessary to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of testing negative for the virus when entering Japan.

• Japanese Border Measures
• Practical Information for Traveling to Japan

Anyone entering Japan can use the immigration office's online service, Visit Japan Web, to complete immigration procedures and customs declarations via the link below:

• Visit Japan Web

In order to enjoy a safe trip to Japan, it is important to have adequate insurance in case something unexpected happens:

• There are cases in which medical expenses during a trip to Japan can add up to a high amount. (leaflet)
• Get prepared, so you can leave your worries behind and enjoy Japan (leaflet)

As of May 8, 2023, the Japanese Government reclassified COVID-19 as a Category V infectious disease. The poster below has information on effective measures that can be taken to prevent its spread.

• Implementation of infection control measures is left to the judgment of individuals and of businesses

As of March 13, 2023, the decision as to whether or not to wear a mask is now up to the individual:

• Mask Use Guidance

In the Event of Illness or Injury

This website contains useful information for receiving medical treatment in Japan: For safe travel in Japan Guidebook for when you are feeling ill

The following are COVID-19 initiatives taken by airlines, airports, railways, buses, taxis, cruise ships, water buses, and passenger ship terminals.

Major airlines take initiatives such as recommending minimal carry-on baggage. For details, please visit the official websites.

• Japan Airlines (JAL)
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• New Central Airservice (NCA)

Major railways in Tokyo take initiatives such as recommending avoiding rush hour and congested cabins. For details, please visit the official websites.

• East Japan Railway (JR East) (JPN)
• Tokyo Metro
• Toei Subway
• Tokyu Railways
• Seibu Railway
• Tsukuba Express
• Tokyo Monorail
• Odakyu Electric Railway
• Tobu Railway
• Keisei Electric Railway
• Tokyo Waterfront Area Rapid Transit (TWR) Rinkai Line
• Tama Monorail (JPN)
• Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line) (JPN)
• Nippori-Toneri Liner (JPN)

Fixed-route and tour buses operating in Tokyo take initiatives such as displaying signs showing countermeasures against infectious diseases. For details, please visit the official websites.

• Toei Bus (JPN)
• Sky Bus Tokyo / SKYDuck (JPN)
• Sky Hop Bus
• SKYTREE Shuttle ®
• Kan-nana Shuttle Bus "Shuttle Seven" (Keisei Bus) (JPN)
• Fukagawa Shuttle (Toei Transportation) (JPN)
• Joto Shuttle (Toei Transportation) (JPN)
• Megurin (JPN)
• Sumida Hyakkei Sumimaru-kun / Sumirin-chan (Keisei Bus) (JPN)
• B-Guru (Hitachi Jidosha Kotsu)
• Tokyu Bus (JPN)
• Fuji-Express (JPN)

Major taxis operating in Tokyo take initiatives such as opening the windows and using the air conditioner's fresh-air mode in combination to ventilate the vehicle and prevent infection. For details, please visit the official websites.

• Daiwa Motor Transportation (JPN)
• Nihon Kotsu (JPN)
• Teito Motor Transportation (JPN)
• Kokusai Motorcars (JPN)
• Green Cab (JPN)
• Tokyo Musen (JPN)
• Hinomaru Kotsu (JPN)
• Hitachi Jidosha Kotsu (JPN)
• Tokyo Kojin taxi association (JPN)

Cruise Ships / Water Buses, Passenger Ship Terminals

Cruise ships, water buses, and passenger ship terminals each operate their own countermeasures. For details, please visit the official websites.

• Tokyo Cruise (Tokyo Cruise Ship)
• Tokai Kisen
• Takeshiba Passenger Ship Terminal (JPN)
• Tokyo Port Terminal (JPN)

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Japan’s new border and entry rules explained – for tourists and residents

UPDATED September 26: everything you need to know about Japan’s new Covid-19 requirements for tourists and residents

Are you travelling to Japan on or after October 11? Read our guide on visa-free travel, valid vaccines, PCR tests and more here . 

Covid-19 restrictions are ever-changing and it can be hard to keep track of new information on Japan’s border restrictions. To bring you up to speed on the latest rule changes, we’ve answered some of the most common questions regarding Japan's current border restrictions. 

The following information is based on the government's recent decision to reopen Japan's borders fully for tourism . Some  details regarding the travel requirements for tourists – including visa-free terms and accepted Covid-19 vaccines – are still being finalised by the   Ministry of Foreign Affairs . We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available.  

Can tourists visit Japan yet?

Good news! After over two-plus years of strict border rules and Covid-19 restrictions, Japan is finally reopening to independent travellers on October 11. Along with the resumption of visa-free entry, tourists will no longer be expected to book their trips via travel agencies. 

Will I need to get a PCR test?

Those who are fully vaccinated (including a Covid-19 booster shot) are no longer required to get a pre-departure PCR test. 

Travellers coming from a ‘blue’ country or region are also exempt from testing upon arrival. However, those who have not received a Covid-19 booster shot and are travelling from a ‘yellow’ country or region may be subjected to a PCR test after landing. 

Countries and regions listed in the blue category include the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, France and Italy. You’ll find the full list of designated countries and regions   here .

Will I have to quarantine when I get there?

Travellers arriving from countries listed under the blue  category are not required to self-isolate after entering Japan, regardless of their vaccination status. Fully vaccinated travellers coming from a country or region listed under the yellow  category are also exempt from quarantine.

If, however, you are travelling from a yellow country and have not received three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, you may be subject to five days of self-isolation (three days if you take a voluntary test on the third day and the result is negative). 

What do I need to enter Japan?

Here is what you’ll need to enter Japan in addition to a visa: 

• A signed copy of the Written Pledge (only for those who are required to quarantine) 
• A completed questionnaire administered digitally by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (you can do this via the Fast Track system ) 
• A Covid-19 vaccination certificate (you don’t have to be vaccinated in order to enter Japan, but arrivals in the yellow category can reduce their quarantine period by submitting a valid vaccination certificate)  

You may expedite some airport arrival procedures via Fast Track (see our guide here ). Still unsure of what entry procedures may look like for you? You can select your nationality and vaccination status on the MHLW website to check which border measures apply to you. 

How many people can enter Japan?

Japan currently allows up to 50,000 arrivals per day, but this entry cap will be scrapped on October 11.

What are Japan’s other Covid-19 restrictions?

While the Japanese government is still urging people to take precautions, such as avoiding crowded places, face masks are no longer recommended outdoors as long as people are able to maintain a safe distance from others. 

This article was originally published on February 25 and updated on September 26. Check the Mofa website for the latest updates.

More from Time Out 

Confirmed: independent tourists can visit Japan visa-free from October 11

In photos: your first look at the exhibits of the upcoming Ghibli Park

Starbucks is releasing a special Peanuts collection only in Japan

Ice skating is now possible outside of winter at Mitsui Outlet Parks in Japan

This coastal glamping site in Naoshima has futuristic dome tents and sauna pods

Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo?  Sign up to our newsletter  for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

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Consular Services

Measures for cross-border travel.

1. Border Measures

2. contact information for inquiries.

• 3. Old measures (Archive)

Vaccination certificates and pre-departure tests are no longer required to enter Japan. Travelers and returnees with COVID-19 symptoms will no longer be subjected to on-arrival testing. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will not be treated at designated facilities.

Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases has begun from 12:00 a.m. (JST) on May 8.

• For information on Visa, please refer to Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
• For procedures upon arrival at the airport and the status of residence: Contact: Immigration Service Agency of Japan TEL (Main): 03-3580-4111
• For general inquiries regarding border measures for entry into Japan; Contact: Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare TEL: 03-5253-1111 (Japanese only)
• For inquiries regarding flight information; Contact: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Civil Aviation Bureau, Director for Crisis Management Office TEL: 03-5253-8700

3. Old measures Old measures is moved to the archive below.

• Old measures (Archive)

Update April 12, 2024

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Japan Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 8, 2024, japan - level 1: exercise normal precautions.

Japan – Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions

Reissued after periodic review without changes.

Exercise normal precautions in Japan.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Japan.

If you decide to travel to Japan: 

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow Embassy Tokyo’s American Citizen Services section on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Japan.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Japan to relax Covid travel restrictions and grant entry to independent tourists

NEW YORK — Japan’s strict border restrictions will be loosened next month, the prime minister announced Thursday, allowing tourists to easily enter for the first time since the start of the pandemic.

In a news conference at the foot of Central Park in New York, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said independent tourists would again be welcomed as of Oct. 11, not just those traveling with authorized groups.

A cap on the number of tourists who are granted entry — which has been gradually increased this year — will be nixed altogether. And visa requirements that were imposed in response to the pandemic will also be rescinded.

Japan’s tough Covid-19 restrictions have sent the number of visitors plummeting and its tourism industry reeling. Though foreign tourists were welcomed back in June after a pause of more than two years, the reopening has been confusing to many seeking to visit.

A previous announcement billed as an easing of the group tour rule turned out, for many tourists, to be anything but — introducing a convoluted process requiring obtaining clearance via a Japanese travel agent, often with hefty fees or commissions attached.

Now, the country appears to be returning to normal, in time for some to book travel for Japan’s fall foliage. Kishida said a campaign aimed at bolstering the tourism industry would be rolled out offering discounts.

“We hope that many citizens will take advantage,” he said as he wrapped up a trip to New York.

Until now, Japan persisted in pandemic travel rules that many other countries have long since dropped. Some tourists have shifted vacations to countries including South Korea and Thailand, which have had looser rules of late.

Kishida spoke on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. In other remarks, he called for reform of the U.N. Security Council and dismissed any skepticism about Japan’s increased military spending, saying it remained a “peace-loving nation.”

He also said Japan would “boldly take necessary steps” to combat excessive fluctuation of the yen, which has dropped to its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in more than two decades.

Japan Travel Restrictions

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Can I travel to Japan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Can I travel to Japan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Japan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Japan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Japan.

Can I travel to Japan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

Mask usage in Japan is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Japan?

Restaurants in Japan are open. Bars in Japan are .

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » Japan travel restrictions and requirements for 2023

Japan travel restrictions and requirements for 2023

May 15, 2023

When planning a trip to Japan, make sure you know if there are any travel restrictions in place and any entry requirements you need to follow.

Japan has now completely removed all COVID-19 entry restrictions . Immigration rules have returned to normal from May 8, 2023 .

If you are thinking about traveling to Japan, you can check this regularly updated page and find out what you need to visit the country.

Below you’ll find information about the reinstatement of visa exemptions , vaccine and testing requirements, and other coronavirus measures in Japan.

Can I Travel to Japan Now?

Yes , Japan’s borders are now open to all international tourist travel.

You can easily travel to Japan by air or by sea as long as you meet the standard entry requirements.

Japan has completely removed the entry cap on daily foreign arrivals. All the usual visa exemptions currently apply to eligible visitors. This means that citizens of around 70 countries, including Australia, the United States and all European Union nations, can once again visit Japan for 90 days visa-free simply by using a valid passport.

Once in the country, train services are running as normal. You can use your Japan Rail Pass to travel around the nation at your leisure.

Japan Standard Entry Requirements

If you’re not a national of a visa-exempt country , you’ll need a visa to travel to Japan.

You should also make sure you have a valid passport , and other necessary documentation to enter the country.

If you have an e-Passport, you can use the Electronic Customs Declaration Gates (e-Gates) when arriving in Japan to clear border control.

Public transportation restrictions within Japan

Public transport, including trains, is operating in Japan. Travelers are advised to refer to Japanese train status updates issued by each individual operator to check if a service they plan to use remains affected by temporary Shinkansen COVID-19 restrictions.

Face masks are no longer required on JR trains or in most other places. They are still common and recommended, but are ultimately optional .

Who can travel to Japan now?

Anyone who meets the normal entry requirements can now travel to Japan.

All travelers should ensure they have a valid relevant visa for Japan (unless visa-exempt), a valid passport, and other necessary documentation to enter the country.

North Koreans cannot currently enter Japan due to sanctions. Apart from this, there are no other travel bans in place.

For further information about visas and visa exemptions, please check with the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs at https://www.mofa.go.jp/ .

Rules for tourists

Individual tourists can now travel to Japan. There is no longer any need to book a place on a package tour.

Although mask use is not obligatory outdoors in Japan, it is still recommended in crowds or when having a conversation at close quarters.

Quarantine measures when traveling to Japan

There are currently no quarantine measures in Japan.

For further information, please check with the Japanese Ministry of Health at https://www.mhlw.go.jp/

Countries and regions banned to enter Japan

Only citizens of North Korea are currently prohibited from traveling to Japan. This is because the Japanese government has imposed sanctions on North Korea.

All other nationalities are allowed to visit Japan with the proper documentation. All travel bans due to coronavirus have now been lifted.

Travel advisories

Check the up-to-date travel advisories for Japan regarding COVID-19 from your country below:

• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States

Health advice when visiting Japan

There are no specific health requirements in place for traveling to Japan.

Visitors are advised to have health insurance and be up-to-date on standard vaccinations. Recommended vaccines include:

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese encephalitis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Japan’s Health Ministry has stated that the two most effective ways to curb the spread of illnesses like the coronavirus are to frequently wash hands and use a face mask when out in public:

• You should wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Face masks are recommended in public. The mask should cover your mouth, nose and chin, and be disposed of after a single-use.

If you are traveling to Japan with medication, make sure you bring copy of the prescription, a doctor’s note, and bring your medicine in the original container.

For the latest travel advisory and information about restrictions, please visit the Japan National Tourism Organization’s site .

The Japan National Tourism Organization has also set up a coronavirus hotline for tourist information available in 3 languages: English, Chinese, or Korean:

• From within Japan : 050 3816 2787
• If overseas : +81 50 3816 2787

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Once you have specified search conditions, you can check the travel restrictions and required documents for each country. You will be redirected to the (external) Sherpa site, where you travel requirements will be consolidated. Please use the website in accordance with its terms and conditions.

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Japanese opt for short, cheap overseas trips for Golden Week holidays

Japanese travelers are opting for shorter, cheaper and closer overseas trips during the country's Golden Week holidays as they feel the pinch from the yen weakening to 34-year lows and higher inflation abroad, according to a major travel firm.

The average unit price for an overseas trip fell 1.5 percent from last year's Golden Week to 204,900 yen ($1,300), while the average number of days traveled was down by 1.0 at 6.0 days, H.I.S. said.

Cost-efficient holidays to neighboring Asian destinations have proven popular for outbound tourists, with South Korea's capital, Seoul, topping the ranking of the most popular travel destinations and Taiwan's Taipei coming second, the travel agency said.

Honolulu in Hawaii, which traditionally topped the list prior to the pandemic, was down to third place.

Overseas travel bookings for the holiday period rose 23.2 percent from the holidays in 2023, as Japan has entered its first Golden Week holiday period completely unaffected by coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

People are able to have up to 10 days off this year from late April to early May if they choose to take paid leave over the three non-holiday days.

A woman from Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, who is taking a vacation to Singapore, said she did not intend to buy any souvenirs amid price increases. "I want to focus on enjoying tourist spots and eating food," she said.

Despite the removal of COVID-19 travel restrictions, overseas travel bookings during the holiday period were still 46.7 percent lower than the same period in 2018, H.I.S said.

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Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

FILE - Passenger drop off their baggage at United Airlines in C Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

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The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

Breaking News

To deter tourists, a town in Japan is building a big screen blocking the view of Mt. Fuji

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The town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists .

Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of Japan’s iconic Mt. Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain. The reason: misbehaving foreign tourists.

Fujikawaguchiko “is a town built on tourism, and I welcome many visitors, and the town welcomes them too, but there are many things about their manners that are worrying,” said Michie Motomochi, owner of a cafe serving Japanese ohagi sweets near the soon-to-be-blocked photo spot.

Motomochi mentioned littering, crossing the road with busy traffic, ignoring traffic lights and trespassing into private properties. She isn’t unhappy though — 80% of her customers are foreign visitors whose numbers have surged after a COVID-19 pandemic hiatus that kept Japan closed for about two years.

Her neighborhood suddenly became a popular spot about two years ago, apparently after a photo taken at a particular angle showing Mt. Fuji in the background, as if sitting atop a local convenience store, became a social media sensation known as “Mt. Fuji Lawson,” town officials say.

World & Nation

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The mostly foreign tourists have since crowded the small area, triggering a wave of concerns and complaints from residents about visitors blocking the narrow sidewalk, taking photos on the busy road or walking into neighbors’ properties, officials said.

In Europe, concerns over tourists overcrowding historic cities led Venice last week to launch a pilot program to charge day-trippers a 5-euro ($5.35) entry fee. Authorities hope it will discourage visitors from arriving on peak days and make the city more livable for its dwindling residents.

Fujikawaguchiko has tried other methods: signs in English, Chinese, Thai and Korean urging visitors not to run into the road and to use the designated crosswalk, and even hiring a security guard to help ensure crowd control. None worked.

The black mesh net, when completed in mid-May, will be 8.2 feet high and 65.6 feet long, and will almost completely block the view of Mt. Fuji, officials said.

Dozens of tourists gathered Tuesday taking photos even though Mt. Fuji was not in sight due to cloudy weather.

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Anthony Hok, from France, thought the screen was an overreaction. “Too big solution for subject not as big, even if tourists are making trouble. Doesn’t look right to me,” he said. The 26-year-old suggested setting up road barriers for safety instead of blocking the view for pictures.

But Helen Pull, a 34-year-old visitor from the U.K., was sympathetic to the local concern. While traveling in Japan in the last few weeks, she has seen tourism “really ramped up here in Japan from what we’ve seen.”

“I can see why people who live and work here might want to do something about that,” she said, noting many were taking pictures even when the mountain was not visible. “That’s the power of the social media.”

Foreign visitors have flocked to Japan since the pandemic border restrictions were lifted, in part due to the weaker yen.

Last year, Japan had more than 25 million visitors, and the number this year is expected to surpass nearly 32 million, a record from 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. And the government wants more tourists.

Closer to China than to the Japanese mainland, these idyllic islands confront the prospect of war

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While booming tourism has helped the industry, it has triggered complaints from residents in popular tourist destinations, such as Kyoto and Kamakura. In Kyoto, a famous geisha district recently decided to close some private-property alleys.

Locals are uncertain about what to do.

Motomochi said she cannot imagine how the black screen can help control the flow of people on the narrow pedestrian walk and the road next to it.

Yoshihiko Ogawa, who runs a more than half-century-old rice shop in the Fujikawaguchiko area, said the overcrowding worsened in the last few months, with tourists gathering as early as 4 a.m. and talking loudly. He sometimes struggles to get his car in and out of his garage.

“We’ve never thought we’d face a situation like this,” Ogawa said, adding he is unsure what the solution might be. “I suppose we all just need to get used to it.”

McGill and Yamaguchi write for the Associated Press. Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.

More to Read

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FILE PHOTO: Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Swimming - Men's 50m Freestyle - Final - Tokyo Aquatics Centre - Tokyo, Japan - August 1, 2021. Bruno Fratus of Brazil reacts after winning the bronze medal next to Caeleb Dressel of the United States and Florent Manaudou of France REUTERS/Marko Djurica/File Photo

Brazilian swimmer Bruno Fratus, whose jubilation at winning a freestyle bronze medal went viral at the Tokyo Olympics, has opted out of the Paris Games after a long battle with injuries.

Fratus at 32 became the oldest swimmer to claim a first Olympic medal when he finished third in the 50 metres freestyle won by American Caeleb Dressel at Tokyo.

Pumping his fists in the pool wildly and sharing a passionate, pool-side kiss with his wife-coach Michelle Lenhardt after the medal ceremony, Fratus's celebrations lit up the delayed Games where crowds were banned due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A veteran of three Olympics, Fratus said that after four surgeries in the last 18 months it was impossible for him to be competitive for Paris and he had decided to pull out of Olympic trials next week.

"After three Olympics, it wouldn't make sense to go to Paris, wear the Brazilian uniform, without the full conviction that I'm in a position to fight for the race," he said on social media.

"Even though it hurts me – a lot – not to be able to be there, I will be here cheering as always for everyone who will be there competing and representing our country."

The 34-year-old, a four-times medallist at world championships, had major knee surgery in February.

He said pulling out of Paris did not mean the end of his swimming career but only a "brief hiatus".

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COVID-19 Health & Safety Information

Please note this page is no longer being updated..

For the latest information on entry to Japan, please visit the following page:  COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan

Information on the easing of travel restrictions to Japan (as of 11 November 2022)

*For passport holders from other countries, please see the links below for the Embassies and Consulates-General of Japan for more information.

PCR tests or quarantine on arrival are not required, regardless of vaccination status. For more information on the process and entry requirements, refer to the below image or visit  this page  to view the information in checklist form. 

Process Map

Useful Resources

Au / nz government travel advisories , visit japan / jnto sites .

The  Coronavirus travel restrictions page  is a travel advisory updated regularly in line with the official information provided by the Government of Japan.

COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan is an information page built to help travellers plan a safe trip around Japan.

See specific measures taken by Japanese organisations below.

Airlines & Airports

The ANA Care Promise set of health and safety initiatives has been awarded a 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating from SKYTRAX, the highest possible rating, and one that only a few airlines worldwide has achieved.

The JAL FlySafe set of health and safety initiatives has been recognised by Skytrax with a 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, along with a Diamond Certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.

Haneda Airport’s webpage includes information on how to use airport facilities safely and measures to prevent the spread of infection, especially in regards to the 3 Cs: closed spaces, crowded spaces, close-contact settings.

Narita Airport has implemented nine key initiatives to prevent the spread of infection including the installation of transparent barriers, ensuring optimum air ventilation and stringent cleaning practices.

Kansai International Airport has a number initiatives in place to prevent the spread of infection including the use of thermographic cameras, increased cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and social distancing measures.

Railway Companies

Japan has an expansive railway network that is owned and operated by many companies.  Japan Railways (JR) is the most well-known thanks to the popular  JR Pass  and high-speed shinkansen (bullet trains). Its vast and elaborate network can be a bit daunting to navigate at first - it's actually operated by six separate companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu.

In particular, please note the popular Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo to Hakata) is run by both JR Central and JR West – JR Central operates the section from Tokyo to Osaka, and JR West operates the section from Osaka and Hakata. 

JR Hokkaido services the northern island of Hokkaido and also operates the section of the shinkansen route between Shin-Aomori Station on Honshu and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido. Download the ‘Major actions on preventing the spread of novel coronavirus’ PDF from their website for more information.

JR East services eastern Japan including the capital of Tokyo and the north-eastern region of Tohoku. It also operates the Hokuriku Shinkansen which stops at cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Niigata.

JR Central services central Japan and operates the Tokaido Shinkansen, a popular route that runs between Tokyo and Osaka travels through major cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. The ‘COVID-19 Protective Measures’ PDF is available to download from their website.

JR West services western Japan, including well-known cities such as Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama, Kobe and Hiroshima. It operates the Sanyo Shinkansen which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu.

Tobu services the area of Tokyo and surrounds, providing connections to popular destinations such as Nikko, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree and Kawagoe. Information on the latest measures to prevent the spread of infection is available to download from their website.

Kintetsu Railway services the areas of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-shima (Mie Prefecture) and Nagoya. As part of a number of measures implemented to prevent the spread of infection, Kintestsu has sprayed the interior of its train carriages with an antiviral and antibacterial treatment.

Nankai Electric Railway services southern Osaka Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. It connects the southern hub of Namba to Kansai International Airport, Wakayama and Koyasan. Information on health and safety measures that have been implemented is available to download from their website.

JR-West Hotels have implemented new 'Clean & Safety' hygiene standards, and have received the coveted Trusted Cleanliness Badge, a certificate issued by Trust You, one of the top class platforms in the hotel industry. (JR-West Hotels brands include Hotel Granvia, Hotel Vischio by Granvia, Nara Hotel and Potel.)

Prince Hotels has developed the Prince Safety Commitment, a set of new protocols for hygiene and disinfection to be applied to all the hotels under their brands. These will enable Prince Hotels to provide guests with a safe and clean environment during their stay.

Palace Hotel Tokyo has achieved the GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation and has become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These accreditations show Palace Hotel Tokyo is committed to implementing best practices and operating as safely as possible.

Imperial Hotel Osaka has received GBAC STAR™ accreditation and is Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These demonstrate the hotel meets international hygiene standards for infectious disease prevention measures and is committed to following best practices to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests.

Destinations

Miyazaki Prefecture Tourism Association has produced a video to introduce the safety measures taken by the Miyazaki Tourism Industry for the post-COVID-19 era.

Attractions

Read about the health and safety measures that are in place at Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea as well as update on the status of rides, attractions, restaurants and other facilities at each theme park.

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