**This discussion thread has been set up by the moderators of /r/JapanTravel. Please stay civil, abide by the rules, and be helpful. Keep in mind that standalone posts in /r/JapanTravel must still adhere to the rules, and quick questions are only welcome here and in /r/JapanTravelTips.**
## Japan Entry Requirements and COVID Requirements
* Japan has resumed visa-free travel for [ordinary passport holders of 68 countries](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html) (countries listed [here](https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html)).
* 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).
* Tourists 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](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/border_test.html) ahead of their trip.
* Tourists entering Japan should get their document checking process [fast tracked](https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/en/) by filling out the MySOS app (until November 14th) or [Visit Japan Web](https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/) (November 14th and later).
* Travelers connecting through Japanese airports and staying airside for their connection do not need to complete any visa, entry, or COVID procedures.
## Japan Tourism and Travel Updates
* Masks are still very prevalent both inside and outside while in Japan. The [current government recommendation ](https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/covid-19/mask.html) is to wear masks both indoors and outdoors whenever in close proximity to other people or while talking to them. In practice, most people wear masks all of the time, and the majority of businesses require masks to enter the premises.
* Shops and restaurants often do temperature checks or require you to use hand sanitizer when entering a building, although you won’t typically be asked for any proof of vaccination.
* Some shops, restaurants, and attractions have reduced hours. We encourage you to double check the opening hours of the places you’d like to visit before arriving.
* There have been some permanent or extended closures of popular sights and attractions, which includes teamLab Borderless, Shinjuku Robot Restaurant, and Kawaii Monster Cafe. You can see [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/xqulaa/for_travelers_coming_to_japannew_and_gone/) for more detail.
* If you become ill while traveling, please see the instructions in [this guide](https://www.jnto.go.jp/emergency/eng/mi_guide.html) or contact the [COVID-19 Consultation Center by phone](https://www.c19.mhlw.go.jp/covid-19-en.html#contents04).
5 comments
Hi. Are rapid covid tests easily available or should I bring my own?
Will be traveling to Japan on Dec 4. I already got vaccinated 3 times so do I need to do another pcr test before my flight? Or just show them the vaccines e-certificate?
I have a layover in Taipei for an hour and 15min, will this be enough time to get to my next plane?
I’m assuming I won’t have to go through customs since I’m not entering their country. I can just grab my bags and go to my gate?
First time taking advantage of hotel concierge services (Peninsula) to help me make reservations. Maybe it’s due to time difference but I find it’s a lot of back and forth emails; finding a time to call to confirm my cc # for restaurant; confirming details. I have found it much easier to use my Amex Plat’s concierge services to make restaurant resos.
Curious to see if anyone feels the same!
I’m vaccinated but my mom isn’t and we will go to Japan in December. Since she will have to do a PCR test, I was wondering which facilities will do the test and give you the results in a few hours or by the day? Cause here (in Italy) a lot of places will make you do a test in the morning and give you the results the next day, but with this you risk breaching the 72h of duration since the moment you took the test, so it would be good to be able to have results faster (I hope my question is clear). Asking this for our return home, to know or find this information early on.