Last edit by: etgohomeok
UPDATE Sept. 22, 2022: JAPAN WILL NO LONGER REQUIRE VISAS AS OF OCTOBER 11, 2022. As of October 11, Japan will resume visa-free entry to nationals from qualifying countries. Individuals traveling to Japan after this date DO NOT need to obtain an ERFS and visa to enter the country for individual tourism. The information below is for posterity and/or people who wish to travel to Japan prior to this change going into effect.
UPDATE Sept. 12, 2022: News media is reporting rumors of an imminent announcement which may include the reinstatement of visa waivers. Such an announcement would make most of the information below obsolete. Travelers who do not need visas immediately are advised to wait until we know more.
Overview
Until further notice, a visa is required from all foreigners to enter Japan. The visa-waiver program which previously allowed visa-free entry to nationals from certain countries has been suspended. In order to obtain a visa, a receiving agency must sponsor your application by issuing you an ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) certificate. ERFS certificates may be issued for a variety of reasons, including tourism, in which case a licensed travel agency must sponsor your visa application.
Tourism
As of September 7, 2022, tourists may enter Japan on unguided, unaccompanied tours as long as they are sponsored by a travel agency who arranges their flights and accommodations and acts as a point of contact for the duration of their stay in the country in the event of issues including a COVID infection. Some official documents from the Japanese government have attempted to clarify this policy (and, most notably, what it means for a receiving agency to "arrange" flights and accommodations), however in practice it has been left up to the interpretation of the sponsoring agencies. Due to the lack of clarity, there is a range of interpretations with some agencies insisting on purchasing all airfare and hotel reservations on behalf of the traveler, with others allowing travelers to keep their existing reservations as long as they share the details with them. The exact offerings and pricing from specific agencies is changing rapidly, consult this thread for the latest information.
As of now there have been no reports of denied visas or entry into the country from anyone who had a valid ERFS from a legitimate travel agency. Individuals from Australia have reported difficulties booking visa appointments, so Aussies may want to contact their local consulate and ensure they can do so before paying for a tour package/ERFS.
Visa Application and Arrival Process
The following roughly outlines the steps for obtaining a visa and entering the country:
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What other documents are required for the visa application? Do I need an itinerary document?
A: For an eVisa application you only need to submit your ERFS and passport. No other supporting documentation is necessary. In-person applications may ask for more documentation and you should verify what documents are required with your local consulate.
Q: What documents are required to board a plane and enter the country?
A: Travelers who have reported their experiences have said they were asked to show their MySOS "blue screen" and their visa/eVisa by both the airline (prior to boarding their flight) and by customs (after landing in Japan). If you have an eVisa, make sure you can load the digital version of the actual eVisa website on your phone (not just the PDF) in Japan over data or WiFi, because these have a rotating QR code.
Q: What if I don't want to stay at a hotel and want to stay at a friend's house/Airbnb/couch-surfing/etc.?
A: Current tourism guidelines suggest that a travel agency is supposed to "arrange accommodations" for your time in Japan. As such, you should contact your travel agency to ask them what types of accommodations in Japan they will allow. It is advisable to book a hotel in Japan for at least your first night in the country prior to applying for a visa since the visa application asks for this information. Note that hotels in Japan are currently very cheap, especially with the weakened Yen.
Q: What if I'm not traveling for (x) amount of time? When should I get an ERFS and apply for a visa?
A: Visas are only valid for 90 days after they are issued, so you should wait until your trip is at least within the next three months. There is also a good chance that the Japanese government will move to further relax entry requirements (including, possibly, re-instating the visa-waiver program which would make this entire process obsolete) in the coming months, so you should wait until your individual planning process requires you to have some assurance that you'll be able to enter the country. We may also see more competition among travel agencies offering bare-bones tour packages in the coming weeks, which could drive prices down.
UPDATE Sept. 12, 2022: News media is reporting rumors of an imminent announcement which may include the reinstatement of visa waivers. Such an announcement would make most of the information below obsolete. Travelers who do not need visas immediately are advised to wait until we know more.
Overview
Until further notice, a visa is required from all foreigners to enter Japan. The visa-waiver program which previously allowed visa-free entry to nationals from certain countries has been suspended. In order to obtain a visa, a receiving agency must sponsor your application by issuing you an ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) certificate. ERFS certificates may be issued for a variety of reasons, including tourism, in which case a licensed travel agency must sponsor your visa application.
Tourism
As of September 7, 2022, tourists may enter Japan on unguided, unaccompanied tours as long as they are sponsored by a travel agency who arranges their flights and accommodations and acts as a point of contact for the duration of their stay in the country in the event of issues including a COVID infection. Some official documents from the Japanese government have attempted to clarify this policy (and, most notably, what it means for a receiving agency to "arrange" flights and accommodations), however in practice it has been left up to the interpretation of the sponsoring agencies. Due to the lack of clarity, there is a range of interpretations with some agencies insisting on purchasing all airfare and hotel reservations on behalf of the traveler, with others allowing travelers to keep their existing reservations as long as they share the details with them. The exact offerings and pricing from specific agencies is changing rapidly, consult this thread for the latest information.
As of now there have been no reports of denied visas or entry into the country from anyone who had a valid ERFS from a legitimate travel agency. Individuals from Australia have reported difficulties booking visa appointments, so Aussies may want to contact their local consulate and ensure they can do so before paying for a tour package/ERFS.
Visa Application and Arrival Process
The following roughly outlines the steps for obtaining a visa and entering the country:
- First, the traveler must obtain an ERFS certificate from their sponsoring agency. Who issues the ERFS depends on the reason for entering the country (business travelers should obtain it from the company they are visiting, tourists should obtain it from a travel agency who is arranging their visit, etc.). The ERFS certificate is a one-page document summarizing key information about the traveler and their sponsor. An example of an ERFS certificate is provided here.
- Once the ERFS is obtained, travelers must apply for a visa from their local Japanese consulate. Travelers from some countries (currently only the USA and Canada) may apply for an eVisa online. This process is faster and easier than physically visiting a consulate so it is recommended for anyone who has access to it.
- Visitors who are fully vaccinated with three doses of approved vaccine do not need to obtain a COVID test prior to traveling to Japan. A primary series consisting of one dose of J&J/Janssen is treated as two doses for the purpose of meeting these criteria (see here). Vaccination information should be submitted using the MySOS app and travelers should ensure they have a "blue screen" in the app prior to boarding their flight. Information available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What other documents are required for the visa application? Do I need an itinerary document?
A: For an eVisa application you only need to submit your ERFS and passport. No other supporting documentation is necessary. In-person applications may ask for more documentation and you should verify what documents are required with your local consulate.
Q: What documents are required to board a plane and enter the country?
A: Travelers who have reported their experiences have said they were asked to show their MySOS "blue screen" and their visa/eVisa by both the airline (prior to boarding their flight) and by customs (after landing in Japan). If you have an eVisa, make sure you can load the digital version of the actual eVisa website on your phone (not just the PDF) in Japan over data or WiFi, because these have a rotating QR code.
Q: What if I don't want to stay at a hotel and want to stay at a friend's house/Airbnb/couch-surfing/etc.?
A: Current tourism guidelines suggest that a travel agency is supposed to "arrange accommodations" for your time in Japan. As such, you should contact your travel agency to ask them what types of accommodations in Japan they will allow. It is advisable to book a hotel in Japan for at least your first night in the country prior to applying for a visa since the visa application asks for this information. Note that hotels in Japan are currently very cheap, especially with the weakened Yen.
Q: What if I'm not traveling for (x) amount of time? When should I get an ERFS and apply for a visa?
A: Visas are only valid for 90 days after they are issued, so you should wait until your trip is at least within the next three months. There is also a good chance that the Japanese government will move to further relax entry requirements (including, possibly, re-instating the visa-waiver program which would make this entire process obsolete) in the coming months, so you should wait until your individual planning process requires you to have some assurance that you'll be able to enter the country. We may also see more competition among travel agencies offering bare-bones tour packages in the coming weeks, which could drive prices down.
Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (EFRS) Discussion (was: Japan opening up)
#1531
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,968
Wow I didn't know that. Last time I did a partial chargeback was when we fell for the taxi scam in Paris (early in our travels, never again), I gave Chase the clear listing on the airport website thats the max that can be charged and she said are you sure you don't want to do a full one? I mean he did give me a ride it was just 3x the price everyone else charges!
#1532
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 190
(my photography site, in case anyone is interested.)
#1533
Pretty sure that's just for residents. They've had similar schemes in 2021 ... again, for residents.
However, to take advantage of the cheap yen, book the heavy-hitters now (refundable or otherwise). The exchange rate is nice once every 25-year discount in itself.
However, to take advantage of the cheap yen, book the heavy-hitters now (refundable or otherwise). The exchange rate is nice once every 25-year discount in itself.
#1534
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,160
An issue that is 100% how foreign nationals are admitted is hardly a "purely domestic" issue. It affects not only specific foreigners, but diplomatic relations in general. As to your specific predictions, I recommend the next time you're at a craps table, bet Don't Pass.
The one thing I probably did underestimate was the potential to get a considerable foreign currency stream in while the yen is still low. It was probably too attractive to let go.
#1535
Join Date: Oct 2012
Programs: UA Mileage Plus, AAdvantage, Southwest, HHonors, National
Posts: 528
I've always avoided them, but since I will arrive on 10/8, this is probably my one chance to photograph sites like Kinkaku-ji without facing hordes of tourists. Or at least that's my hope.
(my photography site, in case anyone is interested.)
(my photography site, in case anyone is interested.)
Last edited by Gradfly; Sep 22, 2022 at 7:55 pm Reason: added quote
#1536
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite
Posts: 1,968
Considering how many times the Japanese government have talked about opening and normalising, and then not doing any actual announcements or changes, this one did catch me out. The future is sometimes difficult to predict, that's the nature of it, sometimes you read the cards wrong and call the wrong hand.
The one thing I probably did underestimate was the potential to get a considerable foreign currency stream in while the yen is still low. It was probably too attractive to let go.
The one thing I probably did underestimate was the potential to get a considerable foreign currency stream in while the yen is still low. It was probably too attractive to let go.
#1537
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: JGC Diamond, OW Emerald, Amtrak Select Plus,Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 249
Questions for those who have travelled under the recent system (As I'm leaving next week and still part of the whole ERFS and e-visa), what exactly is the medical insurance part and what is that you have to show and when?
I have medical insurance that I'm covered by. Do I need to just show my medical insurance card, or are they looking for traveller's medical insurance, and if that, who do I need to show what?
Thanks.
I have medical insurance that I'm covered by. Do I need to just show my medical insurance card, or are they looking for traveller's medical insurance, and if that, who do I need to show what?
Thanks.
#1538
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,160
#1539
Join Date: Jun 2018
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 79
Questions for those who have travelled under the recent system (As I'm leaving next week and still part of the whole ERFS and e-visa), what exactly is the medical insurance part and what is that you have to show and when?
I have medical insurance that I'm covered by. Do I need to just show my medical insurance card, or are they looking for traveller's medical insurance, and if that, who do I need to show what?
Thanks.
I have medical insurance that I'm covered by. Do I need to just show my medical insurance card, or are they looking for traveller's medical insurance, and if that, who do I need to show what?
Thanks.
#1540
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: JGC Diamond, OW Emerald, Amtrak Select Plus,Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 249
Thank you.
Do you know what exactly they want us to show? Is an e-mail with the policy we bought okay, or what exactly? I did see any place in the mySOS app for it.
Do you know what exactly they want us to show? Is an e-mail with the policy we bought okay, or what exactly? I did see any place in the mySOS app for it.
#1541
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: USA
Posts: 123
So we just landed in Tokyo and are on the way to the hotel. JGA ERFS and visitor visa.
JAL boarding at JFK only looked at the visa and mySOS. Same as immigration at Haneda. Took all of 10 minutes to pass through immigration.
No mention whatsoever of insurance, itinerary, proof of “arrangement” of flight and hotel by JGA, etc. Literally the easiest time I’ve ever had entering a foreign country.
Good luck to the rest of us traveling before October 11, but sounds like you won’t need it.
JAL boarding at JFK only looked at the visa and mySOS. Same as immigration at Haneda. Took all of 10 minutes to pass through immigration.
No mention whatsoever of insurance, itinerary, proof of “arrangement” of flight and hotel by JGA, etc. Literally the easiest time I’ve ever had entering a foreign country.
Good luck to the rest of us traveling before October 11, but sounds like you won’t need it.
#1542
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 2
Either i went on a quiet day, or mine and your ideas of busy are very different. Yes there was tourists, but nothing that made it difficult or unpleasant. This was Nov 2018 and early afternoon. Only had to wait maybe 2 minutes in a line to get to the best photo spot
#1543
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: Stuttgart
Programs: Eurobonus Gold
Posts: 17
I've always avoided them, but since I will arrive on 10/8, this is probably my one chance to photograph sites like Kinkaku-ji without facing hordes of tourists. Or at least that's my hope.
(my photography site, in case anyone is interested.)
(my photography site, in case anyone is interested.)