Japan's Vaccinations Protocol
Apr 10, 2023, 8:37 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 383
Japan's Vaccinations Protocol
As a US citizen I do not need a visa to enter Japan. However, I would have to meet their medical protocols in order to do so. Currently those protocols call for a Vaccination record that indicates two original shots and to include one booster shot. We, like most people, only had the two original shots. Is this policy still required to be admitted to Japan? How seriously do they take the booster shot and will they still admit people who have only the original shots? 
Apr 10, 2023, 10:11 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,633
Before May 8, you can enter Japan if you have an accepted vaccination certificate (showing the initial course and booster of an accepted vaccine) OR an accepted pre-departure test certificate (showing a negative result with an accepted test method and sampling method).
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
Apr 11, 2023, 12:48 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 383
Before May 8, you can enter Japan if you have an accepted vaccination certificate (showing the initial course and booster of an accepted vaccine) OR an accepted pre-departure test certificate (showing a negative result with an accepted test method and sampling method).
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
- Those who are entering Japan on or after May 8, 2023, will not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or pre-departure inspection certificate, as the category of COVID-19 will be changed to a Class V Infectious Disease under the Infectious Disease Control Law. However, please note that quarantine measures upon entry into Japan may be strengthened as necessary, if a new infectious disease outbreak occurs overseas.
Apr 11, 2023, 1:34 am
#4
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,633
Apr 14, 2023, 12:24 am
#5
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: NH Dia/SFlyer, JL Crystal/JGC, MB Plat, WoHyatt Glob, IHG Dia Amb, HHonors Dia
Posts: 281
Before May 8, you can enter Japan if you have an accepted vaccination certificate (showing the initial course and booster of an accepted vaccine) OR an accepted pre-departure test certificate (showing a negative result with an accepted test method and sampling method).
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html
Is it seriously enforced? Yes. Your airline will check that you meet the requirements before you board. Japanese border control agents will check before you enter the country. If your documents don't meet the requirements for any reason you won't be allowed to enter Japan.
On May 8, the requirements will be dropped:
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2...rs-on-wed.html
Apr 14, 2023, 12:35 am
#6
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,633
At NRT I was not asked to show the vaccination cert or blue screen, but there was still an army of red t-shirts on hand. If they wanted to pick a flight and check the deplaning passengers, they could do so, I guess
Apr 14, 2023, 9:14 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Tokyo
Programs: JAL Metal Card (OWE), SAS Eurobonus Gold (*G), Marriott Titanium (LTP), Tokyu Hotels Platinum
Posts: 21,191
I arrived on Sunday 09/Apr. My vaccination was verified at check-in at LHR. Agent scrolled through the page that I showed her on my screen.
At NRT I was not asked to show the vaccination cert or blue screen, but there was still an army of red t-shirts on hand. If they wanted to pick a flight and check the deplaning passengers, they could do so, I guess
At NRT I was not asked to show the vaccination cert or blue screen, but there was still an army of red t-shirts on hand. If they wanted to pick a flight and check the deplaning passengers, they could do so, I guess
Anyway, I only have 2 trips left where the vaccine certificate matters, I do look forward to not having to upload documents every trip.