##**October 2022 Update – Visa-free individual tourism for ordinary passport holders of 68 countries will resume from 00:00 JST (midnight) on October 11, 2022, per the [Japanese Government.](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) The daily cap on arrivals into Japan will be lifted, as well as the last of the on-arrival testing and quarantine procedures being removed.**
**If you are from one of the 68 countries [listed here](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html), you will not require a tour package, ERFS, or visa starting on October 11, 2022. *All* tourists will still need to be vaccinated three times, or submit a negative COVID-19 test result ahead of their trip using the MySOS program before being allowed entry to the country.**
##**FAQ on Tourism Entry Guidelines as of October 1st, 2022:**
###”I am arriving in Japan prior to October 11th, what still applies to me?”
>- [Japan began allowing tourists through pre-booked but *unguided* tours on September 7th, 2022](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220903_11/), requiring tourists to work with an agency to obtain an itinerary, ERFS certificate, and visa.** For travel up to and including October 10, 2022, unguided tourism still needs to be sponsored by and arranged through a registered Japanese travel agency (or an agency in your own country that partners with a Japanese one), and it still requires an ERFS certificate and visa. The entry instructions are as follows:
>- 1. Anyone seeking entry into Japan for the purposes of tourism must first obtain an [ERFS certificate](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html). This is an official document from a sponsoring agency (in the case of tourism, usually a travel agency) that is a prerequisite for submitting a visa application. It is a one-page document with information about the applicant, information about the sponsoring agency, and the name/address of the accommodation you’re staying at on your first night in Japan. You can view a sample ERFS [here](https://erfsjapan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/erfs-img-724×1024.jpg).
>- 2. After obtaining the ERFS, you can submit your visa application. **All entry into Japan for non-Japanese citizens/permanent residents requires [a visa](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html). There are no exceptions to this.** If you are from the USA or Canada, you can apply online for an [eVISA](https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index), and the process should take about 5 days from submission to visa issuance. If you are from a country other than the USA or Canada, you will need to get a visa from your local consulate (which often requires making an appointment). **A friendly note about eVISAs!** Make sure to submit your application once you’ve created it. Once you create it, it will be in the state “Application not made” (you can expand the “Status” box using the arrow to check this). You’ll want to select the checkbox at the left-hand side of the row in your application list and click the orange arrow saying “Application” on bottom right.
>- 3. You do not need a COVID test prior to arrival in Japan if **you have been vaccinated with three doses of an approved vaccine** (see [here](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html), section 3, Quarantine Measures (New)). If you have been vaccinated with three doses of an approved vaccine, you should install and utilize the MySOS app, which will allow you to register your vaccine information so that you can [fast track yourself](https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/fasttrack/en/) upon arrival. (See below for complete COVID entry procedures.)
>- 4. From the recent tourism reports we’ve seen popping up online, it seems like you will only be asked to present your passport, visa, and MySOS app (or COVID test results, if required) upon arrival at Immigration. That said, paper documentation of your visa, ERFS, itinerary, accommodation confirmations, and proof of onward travel are never a bad thing to have on-hand in case you are asked for them.
###”I am arriving in Japan *after* October 11th, or before the end of 2022, how will this new entry affect me?”
>- Visa-free individual tourism will be reinstated on October 11, 2022 for ordinary passport holders of 68 countries.
>- If you are a passport holder of a country **not** on the visa exemption list, you will still need to apply for a visa. All requirements are listed [on the official website](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html), and we encourage you to read it carefully to see how it may apply to you.
>- All tourists will need to be vaccinated three times with an [approved vaccine](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html) or submit a negative COVID-19 test result ahead of their trip. Starting on October 11, 2022, [vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) will be valid for entry into the country](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html). The WHO EUL is [here.](https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/vaccines/vaccinescovid-19-vaccine-eul-issued)
**What are the current vaccination, testing, and quarantine requirements for entry to Japan?**
>- To enter Japan, you must have **three doses of an approved vaccine** or **a negative COVID PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure**.
>- Approved vaccines are listed [here](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_vaccine.html). Starting on October 11, 2022, [vaccines on the Emergency Use List of World Health Organization (WHO) will be valid for entry into the country](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html). The WHO EUL is [here](https://extranet.who.int/pqweb/vaccines/vaccinescovid-19-vaccine-eul-issued).
>- For the purposes of the initial dose/primary series, J&J/Janssen’s single shot is considered two doses. That means that if you have J&J/Janssen + something like a Pfizer/Moderna booster, you are considered to have three doses.
>- The vaccine certificate needs to be issued by a government entity or medical institution to be valid. The CDC card **is** valid proof of vaccination.
>- Your country of origin determines exactly what your COVID entry procedures are and if quarantine will apply to you.
>- If you are from a [BLUE country](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_category.html), there is [no on-arrival testing or quarantine](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/bordercontrol.html). You simply need to be triple vaccinated or have a negative pre-departure PCR test to be let into the country.
>- If you are from a [YELLOW country](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_category.html), there is no need for on-arrival testing or quarantine **if you have three doses of an approved vaccine**. If you do **not** have three doses of an approved vaccine, you must submit a negative PCR test before departure, and you must **also** [take an on-arrival test and quarantine for three days at home/your hotel](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_category.html).
>- Currently, proof of vaccine or pre-departure PCR test can be submitted via the [MySOS app](https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/fasttrack/en/) and will allow you to be fast-tracked into the country.
>- [The Official MOFA page](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html) details complete COVID rules and procedures. In particular, you want to read Section 3 (“Quarantine measures (New)”).
>- For travelers with minors/children coming with them, the minors/children are considered to hold the same vaccination status as their parents. As noted on [page 17:](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/03112200QA_EN.pdf):
>- “For children under the age of 18 without a valid vaccination certificate, if they are accompanied by a guardian with a valid vaccination certificate and who will supervise the children, they will be treated as holders of valid vaccination certificates, and submission of the negative certificates is exempted the same as the guardian as an exception.”
##**October 2022 Subreddit Update**
All posts and comments continue to be manually reviewed by the mod team before being released. If you are looking for August 2022 tourist updates, please see [last month’s megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/wd8htm/japan_travel_covid19_and_you_tourism_information/).
As stated in the sidebar rules, questions about border policies and obtaining visas will not be approved as standalone posts. Please see our discussion thread (stickied at the top of the subreddit) for those questions, or reach out to your Embassy or Consulate of Japan in your area for further information.
##**Frequently Asked Questions on Tourism Entry – October 2022**
**Can I visit Japan for tourism as an independent traveler without an ERFS, visa, or travel agency sponsor?**
>- You will be able to do this if you are [arriving on October 11, 2022 or later](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html)) **and** you are an ordinary passport holder of one of [the 68 visa-exempt countries](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html).
>- If you are arriving on October 10, 2022 or earlier, your travel must be arranged through a sponsoring Japanese travel agency (or travel agency in your own country that has a Japanese partner) as either a guided tour or an “unguided” tour. All visitors to Japan for the purposes of tourism require an [ERFS certificate](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html) and a visa. See questions below for more information.
**What is an “unguided” tour? How do I book one? What do they entail?**
>- An “unguided” tour of Japan is a tour arranged through a registered travel agency, but it does _not_ require you to be under the supervision of a tour guide. Up to and including October 10, 2022, all entry into Japan requires travel agency sponsorship, an ERFS certificate, and a visa. The guidelines about unguided tours (see above) stipulate that flights and accommodations must be arranged by an agency, they will need to know of your itinerary plans, they will need to be able to contact you during your trip, and they will help you/take responsibility for you in the case of an issue or illness while you are in the country. But you have freedom to explore at your own pace and there’s no need for direct supervision. If you are interested in booking an unguided tour, please contact a travel agency for more information.
**Can I book my own flights and accommodations for an “unguided” tour?**
>- The official guidelines (see above) state that your sponsoring tour agency must arrange your flights and accommodations while you are in Japan, as well as be aware of your itinerary and have your contact information in case of emergencies. Since there is a lack of clarity in the official guidelines, there are agencies who may give you different guidelines (or no guidelines at all), but again, the *official* stance is that your travel agency must arrange your travel. The mods of /r/JapanTravel encourage you to follow all stated guidelines in order to ensure you have no problems with your visas or entry into Japan. Anything else would be a risk at your own expense.
**What is this eVISA I’m hearing about?**
>- The [eVISA](https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index?fs=e&s=cl) system announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan is intended to make it easier for folks in the USA and Canada who are going to be entering the country for approved reasons to complete the process online, without having to go to the embassy or the consulate in their area. Those who are staying in Japan for business, various exchanges, visiting relatives, or tourism for 90 days or less (and are not engaged in remunerative activities) qualify to use the online application system in the link above in order to file/obtain their documents. No official word has been given on whether or not this will extend to other types of visa entry in the future. Note, also, that you still need an ERFS Certificate to apply for an eVISA.
**Where do I book an “unguided” tour or get an ERFS certificate?**
>- Please check with the [Japan National Tourism Organization](https://www.jnto.go.jp/) to locate agencies in your area that may offer tours eligible for entry. Availability will differ from country to country, and even within the same city—there is also no guarantee that all tour agencies will have tours available at this time. [Japan-Guide.com](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2275.html) also has a listing of some of the online tour companies that are offering tour packages as well.
**Can we go exploring solo on an “unguided” tour?**
>- In general, yes. An unguided tour is a tour that has been arranged through an agency, but you should be free to follow the itinerary they give you at your own pace. Depending on the tour company, they may also require you to book some guided tours through them. Please talk to your agency if you need to know more about their requirements for you.
**Why are plane tickets to Japan *so* expensive right now?**
>- [This article](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-06/sky-high-airfares-are-the-latest-headache-for-globetrotters) covers all the details, but the short form answers are: Smaller planes than usual are flying, so fewer seats are available, and the ones that are get quickly gobbled up by those who have been waiting for a few years to travel. Another wrinkle is there are less staff to operate the flights that are existing and thus less routes are flying, as well as the larger planes still being parked as they are not seen as being cost-effective to load. Finally, fuel prices have taken a major jump and that surcharge is being passed down to ticket holders. This all adds up to higher priced tickets for everyone flying anywhere, and Japan specifically as the push to increase tourism from a few years ago meant cheaper flights to get more folks in seats. It’s safe to expect this to continue for some time yet, as Japan reopens.
## **Frequently Asked Questions on Non-Tourism Entry – October 2022**
**I am arriving in Japan for a stopover/layover while on the way to another country, what do I do?**
>- Until October 10, 2022, no entry into Japan is permitted on stopovers, overnights, or for transit between airports, as all entry requires a visa. On October 11, 2022 and later, visa-free entry into Japan will be reinstated, which means you can enter Japan freely if you come from a visa-exempt country.
>- Haneda Airport allows overnight stopovers, but until the reopening on October 11, 2022, you will likely need to stay at your gate as there is no airside hotel open, and few shops and services are available.
>- Narita Airport will **not** allow overnight stays at all, and you will need to change your ticket if your flight involves an overnight stop until the October 11, 2022 reopening, as you cannot stay in the airport after it closes.
>- **Please search on /r/flights or post there for flight-specific and airport-specific questions.** Further questions or concerns should be directed to your airline only.
**Do I need a PCR Test to enter Japan if I am NOT leaving the airport?**
>- No. After September 7th, a PCR test will only be required if you are entering the country AND you do not have three doses of an approved vaccine. If you have further questions, please speak to your airline, or review their entry requirements for your trip.
**I need more information on [special entry as a partner, family member, or Spouse](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html). Where should I post?**
>- Contact the [Embassy of Japan](https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html) in your country to find out more on the requirements for entry and to learn if your situation qualifies.
**I need more information on the border opening as a new entrant for work or school, where should I post?**
>- Please go to /r/movingtojapan for information and updates.
##**Daily Cases, Deaths & Vaccinations – Updated: 10/01**
>- **Confirmed Total Cases:** [**21,294,798**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/)
>- **Confirmed Deaths:** [**44,931**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/)
>- **1st dose:** [**104,214,435 – 81.5%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)
>- **2nd dose:** [**102,837,262 – 80.4%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)
>- **3rd dose:** [**82,323,038 – 65.4%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)
##**Monthly News Updates – October 2022**