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Travelling to Singapore Travellers should refer to the  ICA website  for the latest information on travelling to/from or transiting through Singapore. For the latest updates on Singapore's COVID-19 situation, please refer to the MOH website at  https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19 .   

Entry and Exit

Singapore passport holders are not required to apply for visas for short-term entry into Japan (less than 90 days).

Travellers intending to travel to Japan should refer to the Embassy of Japan in Singapore’s website and Japan National Tourist Organisation’s website for the latest entry requirements.

Travellers may also refer to the Embassy of Singapore in Tokyo’s website and Facebook page for the latest travel updates. 

Safety and Security

While the crime rate for petty crimes in Japan is generally low, travellers should remain vigilant and ensure that valuables such as passports and cash are not left unattended.  There have been occasional reports of foreigners being targeted for credit card fraud and extortion in Tokyo’s entertainment and nightlife districts. Travellers are advised to avoid touts. Travellers should note that the Japan Police may not provide a copy of the police report of the incident. Instead, a report number (with no content) will be issued to acknowledge that a report has been lodged at the police station. Hence, it may be useful to take note of the Police Station where the report is filed.

The legal age for consuming and purchasing alcohol and tobacco in Japan is 20 years old.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for Singaporeans to drive in Japan. As it is illegal to drive without the original IDP, car rental companies will not be able to rent cars to foreigners who are unable to produce the original IDP. For application procedures, please refer to the website of the Automobile Association of Singapore ( https://www.aas.com.sg/our-services/international-driving-permit-idp.html ).

Possession of prohibited drugs is a crime and can lead to heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines. Travellers should note that prohibited drugs can include prescribed drugs for personal consumption. Travellers importing prescribed drugs should check with the Japan Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ( http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/topics/import/index.html ) or the Japanese Embassy on the application for an import certificate, before bringing the drugs into Japan.

Additional Information

The Japan National Tourism Organisation ( www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/eng ) provides safety tips and useful emergency information for travellers to Japan. The NHK World (mobile) app provides push notifications on disaster and emergency information in English. This includes alerts on earthquake, tsunami, volcano warnings issued by JMA, as well as information from J-Alert. The NHK World app is available for free on Google Play and App Store.

General Travel Advice

Overseas Travel – Be Informed & Be Safe [Updated on 5 February 2024]

Singaporeans planning overseas travel are reminded to take the necessary precautions, including being prepared to deal with accidents, natural disasters or terrorist attacks. Singaporeans are also reminded to be familiar with your destination’s local laws, customs, and COVID-19 regulations.

Demonstrations do occur in major cities across the world. Such demonstrations can sometimes escalate into violence. It is important for Singaporeans to keep abreast of local news, avoid any protests or demonstrations and heed the advice of the local authorities.

When participating in outdoor leisure activities overseas, Singaporeans should be mindful that certain sporting activities, especially in open seas, may carry risks. Besides ensuring that one has the physical competencies and appropriate condition to undertake the activity, every effort should be made to ascertain if the trip organiser or guide is reliable and competent, and that appropriate safety and contingency plans are in place. When in doubt, Singaporeans should consult the relevant professional bodies or sporting associations for specific advice.

For those planning to travel, here are some tips:

Before travelling

• Familiarise yourself with our network of overseas missions.
• Purchase comprehensive travel insurance and be familiar with the terms and coverage.
• Equip yourself with research about your destination’s entry requirements, current situation, local laws and customs.
• eRegister with us on our website ( www.mfa.gov.sg ) so that we may reach out to you during an emergency.

While travelling

• Always take care of your personal safety, remain vigilant and monitor local weather news, advisories, and security developments.
• Exercise caution around large gatherings and avoid locations known for demonstrations or disturbances.
• Be prepared for possible delays and last-minute changes in travel plans especially during unforeseen events such as natural disasters, social unrest or terror attacks.
• Stay connected with your friends and family. Inform them of your whereabouts and provide them with your overseas contact details.
• In the event that you require consular assistance, please contact the nearest Singapore Overseas Mission or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

Advisory: Email Scams

There have been reports of individuals receiving scam emails/messages purportedly sent from friends in distress overseas. These emails/messages typically originate from an email address/social media known to the receiver bearing claims of the sender getting into trouble overseas and urgently requesting financial assistance. The sender would also claim to have approached a Singapore Embassy/Consulate and the local Police for help to no avail.

MFA takes the safety of all Singaporeans very seriously.  Singaporeans in distress approaching our Overseas Missions for assistance will be rendered with all necessary consular assistance.  If you receive such emails/messages from purported friends seeking funds transfers, we strongly advise you to call them first to verify the authenticity of the emails/messages before responding to their request.  It is also not advisable to give out any personal information such as NRIC/passport numbers, address, telephone number, etc.  Any form of reply, even one of non-interest, could result in more unsolicited emails.  Members of the public who suspect that they have fallen prey to such scams should report the matter to the Police immediately.  Should Singaporeans abroad require consular assistance, they can contact the nearest Singapore Overseas  Mission  or call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24-hr Duty Office at +65 6379 8800/+65 6379 8855.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a ministry of the Government of Singapore responsible for conducting and managing diplomatic relations between Singapore and other countries and regions.

Travel Page

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website uses JavaScript. Please turn on "JavaScript" and use it.

With regards to visa inquiries, you can contact “Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information” or “the Japan Visa Information Hotline” listed on the website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan. Due to the complex nature of visa requirements, we are UNABLE to respond to visa-related inquiries made through this website at the moment. We advise you to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest you for more information and advice.

If you are a foreign national, please click the links below for specific information related to respective subjects.

1. Visa Application Procedures

2. about visa.

• 3. Visa Application Documents

4. Frequently Asked Questions

5. announcements.

• 6. Inquiries Concerning Visas
• Be aware of fraudulent website, social media, emails in an attempt to extract payments from visa applicants (July 5, 2017)

Short-Term Stay

(A stay of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities)

Click on the nationality of the visa applicant traveling to Japan.

Visa exemption arrangements have been resumed from 0:00 am (JST) on October 11, 2022.

It is highly recommended to purchase international travel medical insurance for your trip to Japan. Overseas travel medical insurance helps you in case of emergency.

Work or Long-Term Stay

(A stay during which the applicant performs remunerative work in Japan or a stay of over 90 days in Japan, etc.)

• Procedures chart for long-term stays
• The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
• Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening

Visa for Medical Stay

Visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders.

• Points to Note and Application Procedures
• Visa Processing Time
• Validity of a Visa
• Criteria of Visa Issuance
• Visas and Landing Permission

3. Visa Application Documents (download)

• (Note1) Refer to [1. Visa Application Procedures] for details of documents required.
• (Note3) Visa application forms that are not in the QR code (PDF) format cannot be saved. Please print a paper copy of the Visa application.
• Visa application form
• Tell me why you rejected my visa application.
• I want to go to Japan. Do I need a visa?
• I want to invite a foreign national to Japan. What procedures are necessary?
• What should I do to get a Certificate of Eligibility?
• The Certificate of Eligibility will not arrive by the time I apply for a visa. Can I still apply for a visa with its copy?
• As a “guarantor”, to what extent do I need to be responsible?

Newly introduced visas

• Special highly skilled professional (J-Skip)
• Designated activities (Future creation individual, Spouse or Child of future creation individual) (J-Find)
• Designated activities (Digital Nomad, Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad)

Review on restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan

• Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel
• Border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Statistics for the Number of Visas

• Number of Visas Issued in 2021(May 31,2022)

Relaxation of Visa Requirements

• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the Federative Republic of Brazil in Possession of Ordinary Passports(September 30, 2023)
• Signing of the Japan-Israel Working Holiday Agreement (April 28, 2023)
• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the State of Qatar based on Ordinary Passport Registration System (April 2, 2023)
• Visa Waiver Measure for Nationals of the United Arab Emirates in Possession of Ordinary Passports (November 1, 2022)
• Japan’s Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (April 3, 2020)
• Japan's Visa Policy in Accordance with Measures to Combat Trafficking in Persons (February 2009)

6. Inquiries about Visas Application

Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) MOFA Visa Information

Yotsuya Tower 13F, 1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0004 Navi-Dial: 0570-011000 (For some IP phones and calls from overseas, please call +81-3-5369-6577) Monday to Friday, 09:00-17:00

Related Links

• Websites of Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions

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Japan fully reopens to tourists from Singapore on 11 October

Great news for Japan lovers, with the news we’ve been eagerly anticipating – the popular destination is relaxing its border restrictions to allow tourists to enter visa-free and restriction-free from 11th October 2022, allowing proper two-way quarantine-free trips for the first time in over two-and-a-half years.

Singapore citizens and those holding passports issued in 67 other countries are set to benefit, which will see the vast majority of Lion City residents eligible to make a long-awaited trip to “the land of the rising sun” once again.

This relaxation, announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a news conference in New York, will allow travellers to visit Japan without the need to make travel agency bookings in advance, nor apply for a visa in most cases.

To be eligible, you must be fully vaccinated and boosted with one of Japan’s recognised vaccines, or simply have a negative pre-departure PCR test if you are unvaccinated or your jabs don’t comply (e.g. Sinovac / Sinopharm).

The loosening of restrictions comes ahead of both the autumn travel season and the winter ski season, also paving the way for the first truly “free and easy” opportunity for four years to visit Japan during the upcoming sakura (cherry blossom) period, which runs from March to May 2023.

The weak Japanese yen will also stretch your cash on a Japan trip in the short-term, with your Singapore dollar going 25% further than it did in pre-COVID times, though actually getting to and from the country looks set to be an expensive affair, with flight capacity remaining limited in the months ahead.

Japan’s reopening will come just a few days before Taiwan also intends to allow free and easy travel once again, with Hong Kong also set to remove quarantine sometime in October.

Japan’s tourism reopening

Under the latest move, from 11th October 2022 Japan will:

• scrap its requirement for most travellers to obtain an entry visa
• ditch the idea that you must enter under a North-Korea-style guided tour format, or with a pre-arranged travel agent booking, and
• do away with its 50,000 person daily limit on overseas entries.

In most cases, that means you will be able to visit just like you could during pre-pandemic times, organising your own flights and hotel accommodation independently.

Japan already removed pre-departure testing for fully vaccinated travellers in early September 2022.

Who’s eligible: Nationalities

As with before COVID-19, Japan will once again allow those with one of 68 nationalities to enter visa-free for visits of up to 90 days, including Singapore Citizens.

The full list of eligible nationalities for visa-free entry into Japan from 11th October 2022 is outlined below (click to expand).

* Stays of up to six months, under bilateral agreement.

Who’s eligible: Vaccination or testing

To be eligible you’ll typically need to be fully vaccinated and have received a booster dose, in both cases from a relatively selective list of vaccines, with Sinopharm and Sinovac unfortunately not on the list.

That means having had either two or three vaccine doses, depending on which brand you received.

Japan “fully vaccinated” requirement

Vaccine doses from different brands on the above list received in combination are also acceptable, provided you have completed the primary course (any combination) and had a booster dose (of the same or a different vaccine).

For example:

• 1st dose AstraZeneca, 2nd dose Pfizer, 3rd dose Moderna (3 doses) is acceptable
• 1st dose J&J, 2nd dose Novavax (2 doses) is acceptable
• 1st dose Pfizer, 2nd dose Pfizer (2 doses) is not acceptable

Note in particular that the Sinopharm and Sinovac vaccines are not recognised by Japan.

Update 26 September: Japan’s Government has announced that from 11th October 2022, three doses of any WHO-approved vaccine will be regarded as acceptable for entry, including China-made Sinopharm, Sinovac and Convidecia.

All is not lost if you don’t meet the vaccination criteria though.

A negative pre-departure PCR test result within 72 hours of departure will also suffice in place of fully vaccinated and boosted status.

These tests now start at only S$50 in Singapore , a fraction of the early 2021 rates of ~S$200! There are also a wide range of options in the S$68-80 range, plus home testing from S$98.

The test certificate must be in English and the test type can be via nasal swab or the less invasive saliva method (which starts from S$88 in Singapore ).

Singapore is on the ‘Blue List’

Good news for those looking forward to a trip to Japan – Singapore is on the country’s ‘Blue List’ , whereby no testing or quarantine is required, regardless of your vaccination status.

Japan entry requirements by country category

* Pre-departure test ^ On-arrival test

Your travel history in the last 14 days prior to entry into Japan determines the category you must adhere to, with the strictest being enforced.

The full list of countries by category is  available here .

There are currently no countries on the Red List at the time of writing, but do be aware that Yellow List countries include India, Fiji, Turkey, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the Maldives .

That has potential implications if you don’t meet Japan’s strict vaccination criteria and you returned to Singapore from one of these countries in the last 14 days before a Japan trip, since you will then be subject to on-arrival PCR testing and quarantine.

What about children?

Children aged under 18 entering Japan can follow the same rules as their parent(s), even if they are not fully vaccinated, provided they are accompanied by fully vaccinated and boosted parent(s).

Japan’s reopening has been painfully slow

Japan closed its borders to non-nationals back in March 2020, with only Japanese citizens and residents eligible to enter the country for a period of over two years.

Since then it’s been a piecemeal reopening, including the following ‘milestones’, if you can call them that:

• November 2021: Business visitors and students allowed to enter with three days of quarantine, instead of 10 days.
• April 2022: Entry ban lifted for foreigners from over 100 countries, but they were still required to apply for a visa, which would not be granted for tourism purposes.
• May 2022: Small groups of tourists, totalling just 50, from Singapore, Australia, Thailand and the USA, were invited to visit on prearranged package tours.
• June 2022: Daily arrival cap doubled from 10,000 to 20,000, including returning citizens and residents. Removal of on-arrival testing and quarantine in most cases.
• June 2022: International visitors permitted on prearranged guided package tours.
• September 2022: Pre-departure testing removed for fully vaccinated travellers, primarily helping Japanese citizens return from overseas more easily.
• September 2022: Daily arrival cap increased to 50,000, foreigners allowed to book non-guided tours through a travel agent (visa still required).
• 11th October 2022: Visa-free tourist travel restarts for 68 nationalities, no daily arrival cap, fully vaccinated and boosted travellers welcome to make free and easy travel arrangements, or have a pre-departure PCR test if vaccination criteria is not met.

As you can imagine, opening to guided tour groups and travel agent itineraries with visa approval required didn’t even move the needle on inbound tourist numbers, but this latest relaxation will be a serious shift-change.

Thousands per day will now descend on Japan once the restrictions cease from 11th October, and that is already ensuring that ticket prices are sky-high and flight award space is nearly non-existent .

Prepare to be flexible with dates or part with plenty of cash just to reach Japan and return home again in the coming months.

Japan didn’t need tourists back in a hurry

Prior to the pandemic Japan welcomed over 2.6 million foreign tourists per month, prompting many to wonder why it has been so slow to reopen its borders.

However, as a rich country with a large affluent population, tourism spend only accounted for 0.8% of Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP) pre-pandemic, significantly eclipsed by its huge services and manufacturing sectors.

Even with the broader impact of tourism estimated to be around 2.2% of GDP, border reopening wasn’t a high priority for Japan like it was for countries such as Thailand, for example, where the industry drives a quarter of the economy.

In some senses it’s therefore not surprising that Japan has taken a slow and cautious approach to welcoming tourists again, despite the obvious frustration it’s caused for many of our readers eager to return!

Singapore – Japan flights (October 2022)

Japan was linked to Singapore Changi Airport by over 190 direct weekly flights prior to the pandemic, including the major cities like Tokyo and Osaka through to less-well-trodden locations like Hiroshima and Okinawa.

In October 2022 it’s a far cry from those kind of flight volumes, with only 79 direct weekly flights on offer , which means years of pent-up demand will inevitably be funnelled on less than half the number of services previously available.

Here’s how the schedule looks.

Singapore – Japan flights (from November 2022)

For the upcoming winter season starting in November 2022, there are already some planned increases on Singapore – Japan routes.

• Tokyo from 21/wk to 28/wk
• Osaka from 7/wk to 14/wk
• Fukuoka from 2/wk to 3/wk
• Tokyo from 14/wk to 21/wk
• Tokyo from 10/wk to 14/wk
• Osaka from 5/wk to 7/wk
• Sapporo launches 4/wk via Taipei plus 3/wk non-stop

In total, these additional 41 flights per week will bring Singapore – Japan direct services back to 64% of pre-COVID volumes, but that almost certainly still won’t be enough to temper high fares and near-zero award space , as “revenge travel” to the country inevitably takes hold.

What about other Japan routes?

SilkAir permanently axed its non-stop flights from Singapore to Hiroshima in March 2020 due to weak demand, while there’s no word yet on whether Jetstar will restart its five-times-weekly Singapore – Okinawa services, in light of this border relaxation.

Jetstar was also serving Osaka from Singapore 22 times per week before the pandemic, via either Taipei, Manila or Clark, but no return to these routes has been confirmed at the time of writing.

Let’s hope that by cherry blossom season, starting in mid-March 2023, there will be several more options than the current published winter schedules suggest!

Awards (or a lack thereof!)

As you might imagine, award space on these limited flights between Singapore and Japan is nearly non-existent for the rest of 2022.

In common with Europe and US routes, the supply / demand equation is simply killing this option on most flights, particularly non-stop SIA-operated ones, and driving cash fares sky-high.

If you can find an award seat, here are the latest KrisFlyer award rates between Singapore and Japan, when flying on Singapore Airlines.

We did find some sporadic SIA Business Class award space one-way from Japan to Singapore at Advantage levels in December, but don’t be in any doubt – this isn’t a country coming up on Spontaneous Escapes any time soon!

Remember you can also use British Airways Avios points (including those transferred across 1:1 from Qatar Airways Avios points) to book oneworld awards to and from Japan with JAL.

Alaska Miles and Asia Miles are also options for oneworld flights.

No mask mandates in Japan

Japan does not legally impose mask-wearing in most settings, provided you maintain social distancing.

Mask-wearing is already optional on Singapore Airlines and Scoot flights to and from Japan, however do note that ANA, JAL and Zipair are currently maintaining their own mandatory mask mandates for all passengers.

Remember airlines are private transport operators – so you must comply with their own mask-wearing requirements, even if they are stricter than those of your origin or destination country.

It’s taken some time, but it’s fantastic to see Japan reopen its borders to visa-free tourist travel again next month, reinstating free and easy trips to and from this popular destination for Singapore citizens and those with 67 other nationalities, just like pre-COVID times.

This means from 11th October 2022 it will no longer be a requirement to make bookings through a travel agent or arrange a guided tour, nor will a visa application be necessary for most visitors.

Vaccination is still required for a hassle-free trip, but even if you don’t meet Japan’s strict “jab criteria” it’s still possible to visit with a negative pre-departure PCR test, now costing as little as S$50 in Singapore.

Sadly seat capacity on flights between Singapore and Japan is woefully poor compared to pre-COVID times, even with a few planned increases coming through from November.

Let’s hope for announcements of additional travel options between Singapore and Japan soon, since looking at both fares and award space this coming winter is enough to bring pained expression to the face of even well-versed frequent flyers.

Are you booking a Japan trip following this latest news? Let us know in the comments section below.

(Cover Photo: Shutterstock)

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15 comments

hi, is Japan restriction ease? Still cannot find confirmation update on Japan Embassy website (Singapore).

Yes from 11th October. It will take them time to update the website, this was only announced by the PM a few hours ago.

alright. didnt see any official update so didnt dare to make bookings.

Hi Andrew, do you think that even without the update on their official website it should be safe enough to book unrefundable plane tickets (as there are great prices for now which will likely keep increasing fast)? Thanks!

are you aware if i transit in BKK onwards to Sapporo flying thai, will i be able to get into Japan as if i am flying from Singapore. Any restrictions flying from Thailand to Japan in Dec after Oct 11?

Both Singapore and Thailand are “Blue List” countries for Japan, so no issue 👍🏼

Why is Sinovac/Sinopharm Covid 19 vaccines not recognized by Japan when they are recognized by WHO? Seems like Japan does not want visitors from China.

They are recognized from 11 October onwards. See latest update here:

https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/PDT_00001.html

Wonder if you know for sg children under 7 years old, but not vaccinated at all, would they require PCR test, thanks?

No need pcr but must travel with adult who are fully vaccinated with booster shot

Hi Robin what if the adults are vaccinated w sinopharm and booster w novavax? They are not recognised in japan and will be taking pcr tests. What abt the children traveling with them?

There is a table (I saw is when I was browsing can’t locate it at this moment) where they show the types of vaccines are accepted by Japan’s authority.

If I can find I will share the link here.

I used to have a 5-year tourist visa to japan, but they suspended all visas in 2020 when pandemic hit. (at the same time they suspended visa waiver agreements with other countries) Now that they are lifting the latter suspension, i wonder if they will do the same to the first…

“Japan didn’t need tourists back in a hurry” the most important section in the article…Japan is and will be xenophobic…don’t that make you feel like a sucker to wanna be so desperate to go travel there?

Latest update: All vaccines on the WHO EUL list are accepted by the Japanese government for entry from 11 October onwards. Yes, that includes Sinopharm and Sinovac which were previously not recognized.

Source: https://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/PDT_00001.html

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askST: What do I need to know about travelling to Japan now?

SINGAPORE - Japan reopened its borders in June this year to leisure travellers on tour packages. On Wednesday, it eased more of its travel restrictions and will now allow foreign tourists to travel on non-guided tour packages .

The Straits Times explains the latest changes.

Q: Can I travel and plan my own trip to Japan?

A: Yes. Travellers can do so under a non-guided tour package offered by travel agents that are recognised by the Japanese authorities.

Under these non-guided tour packages, travellers must book their flights and accommodation in advance with these agents.

The agents must arrange round-trip tickets and accommodation for the traveller's stay in Japan. This means that travellers are not allowed to stay at a friend's or family member's home in Japan.

Travellers must remain contactable at all times through phone calls, e-mails and SMS.

Q: Can I book tickets to Japan on my own?

A: Yes, you can do so when going for guided package tours. But the Japan-based travel agency or travel service provider acting as the receiving organisation needs to be aware of your itinerary and monitor your movements from entry into Japan till departure.

With these tours, you can have free time in your itinerary. However, you need to meet your guide at least once a day.

Q: Do I still need a visa to enter Japan?

A: Yes. Visas remain mandatory for all travellers. Visas were not required for Singaporeans before the Covid-19 pandemic. Travellers from all countries must apply for a visa through the authorised travel agents.

It can take at least five working days to process these visas, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. Travel agents said it could take weeks for a visa application to be approved.

Q: Do I need to take a pre-departure polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test?

A: No. You need to take a PCR test only  if you have not received three jabs of an approved vaccine. Japan does not recognise Chinese-made vaccines.

Q: Do I need to submit a certificate of Covid-19 test before entering Japan?

A: No, you do not. You no longer need to submit a certificate of Covid-19 test conducted within 72 hours before you depart from Singapore to Japan if you have a valid vaccination certificate.

Q: Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

A: It is advisable to wear a mask in Japan. The Japanese authorities have recommended that you wear a mask in certain situations. Examples include talking to someone outdoors within a 2m distance or when you cannot maintain a physical distance from others on a train. 

Q: Do I need to serve quarantine upon arriving in Japan?

A: The need for on-arrival Covid-19 tests and quarantine depends on which country or region you stayed in before entering Japan.

Japan allows entry from countries and regions where infection levels are low. These are divided into three categories - red, yellow and blue - depending on their assessed virus risk.

Travellers from countries and regions on the blue list, including Singapore, can enter Japan without taking any on-arrival Covid-19 tests or serving quarantine.

Q: What is the daily limit for all arrivals now?

A: The daily limit for all arrivals - including Japanese nationals, foreign residents and those entering on business and tourist visas - has been increased to 50,000 from 20,000 people previously.

*For the list of travel agencies listed under the Japan National Tourism Organisation Singapore office, visit this website.

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How to Apply for a Japan Visitor Visa in Singapore

Thinking of your springtime or summer holiday escapade? If beaches and tropical islands are not your thing, consider visiting somewhere with four seasons. But you don’t need to look too far, because according to a popular Singapore travel search engine’s (KAYAK) analytics report, a lot of people residing in Singapore are highly considering Tokyo, Seoul, and Bangkok, as their top three destinations to visit this year.

Tokyo, Japan snagged the top spot from Bangkok last year as the most-searched destination in Singapore for 2018. That being the case, let us take a look at how Filipinos residing in Singapore can jumpstart their application for a Japan Visitor Visa to make their 2018 travel goals a reality. Here’s how:

Applying for a Japan Visitor Visa in Singapore

If you’re a Filipino or an expat staying in Singapore who does not come from any of the 68 countries with visa exemptions and are planning a short visit to Japan (15 days maximum), then take note of the following procedures and requirements for your Japan visitor visa application here in Singapore:

Requirements:

Remember to prepare the following documents prior your visit to the Embassy:

• A completely filled-out visa application form you can print and download here
• Your valid and original passport with at least two back-to-back blank pages.
• One recent and original 2 x 2 colour photograph taken within the last 6 months to be attached on your printed visa application form
• A copy of your certificate of employment
• Note: It is recommended that you have at least SGD 3,000 in your bank account for safe measure.
• Your air ticket and flight itinerary
• A copy of your valid Singapore ID, front and back (E-Pass, S-Pass, etc)

Procedures:

• Prepare all the necessary documents specified above and visit the Japan Embassy in Singapore located at:

Embassy of Japan in Singapore

16 Nassim Road, Singapore 258390

Tel (+65) 6235-8855

Fax (+65) 6733-1039

Tip:  Go to the Japan Embassy in the morning as visa applications are only accepted from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm.

• Proceed to the Visa counter and present all your documents. Once the receiving officer accepts your papers, he/she will do a quick processing of your application before he/she hands you a schedule slip for the release of your visa.
• Wait for the release of your visa. This usually takes about 3-4 days.
• Pick up your passport along with your Visitor Visa at the Japan Embassy on the scheduled date.

Note:  Take note of the schedule at the Embassy. Visa collection takes place in the afternoon (from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm), so be sure to come a little earlier than scheduled.

Applying for a Japan Visitor Visa in Singapore is free. You only need to submit all the necessary documents and follow the instructions given by the Japanese Embassy for a smooth-sailing application process. Once your visa is released, you can finally think about the places where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms and the amazing food in Japan.

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Japan Visas for Citizens of Singapore

Japan is a popular travel destination and has been for a number of years. Millions of visitors flock to the country every year from all over the world. In 2018, for instance, Japan was the host nation for over 30 million international travelers . Its vibrant culture, people, customs and cuisine make it an attractive destination for people to visit.

Aside from being a great travel destination, Japan also is a great country for businessmen as it boasts a mature economy with a global consumer base. It attracts international business professionals due to its economy’s growth potential as well as the opportunity to introduce their ventures to other major markets around the world.

This is why it should not come as a surprise that more than 437,000 Singaporean citizens visited Japan in 2018 , representing 1.4% of the total overseas travelers welcomed by the country.

There are myriads of reasons for why people choose to travel to Japan. The Japanese authorities have decided to adjust their visa application and authorization system to suit an international travel standard in order to make the process easier for the average traveler. The new Japanese eVisa promises to achieve just that .

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Japan from Singapore?

Singaporean citizens will be eligible to apply for the Japanese eVisa once it is made available. In the meantime, travelers from Singapore can apply for other visas that are offered by the Japanese government through a Japanese embassy or consulate.

The type of visa a Singaporean traveler may need depends on their travel plans and the length of their stay in the country. How long can a Singaporean citizen stay in Japan will also depend on the type of visa obtained by the applicant. There are several short-term visas that travelers can apply for, such as:

• Japanese tourist visa : This visa is appropriate for travelers that are interested in taking up touristic activities while in Japan. It allows travelers a stay of up to 90 days in the country and can be obtained either as a single-entry or as a double-entry visa.
• Japanese business visa : For individuals interested in short-term business engagements, the Japanese business visa should work well. It is also available either as a single- or double-entry visa.
• Japanese transit visa : This visa is required by people who will be stopping over in Japan on their way to another country.

Singaporean travelers that need to stay in Japan longer than a few months may be eligible to apply for a Japanese long-term visa . There are several different types of long-term visas that travelers from Singapore can apply for. Travelers from Singapore can scan the list of available long-term visas and the associated requirements to select one that best suits their travel needs.

Japanese eVisa for Singaporean Citizens

Once the Japanese eVisa is rolled out, Singaporean citizens will be able to apply for the eVisa online without having to go through an embassy or consulate. It has been specifically designed to simplify the application of a Japanese visa for short-term stays in the island nation.

Once the Japanese eVisa becomes available, Singaporean nationals will have to apply for the Japanese eVisa by filling out an online application with their personal, passport and travel details.

They will also be required to answer some security questions concerning any past criminal offences or other legal violations. Travelers are required to answer these questions as honestly as possible, making sure the information they provide is accurate and matches the information shown on the applicant’s other travel documents.

Japanese Visa Requirements for Singaporean Citizens

In order to obtain a Japanese visa, there are certain requirements that applicants must fulfill in order to ensure a successful application. These requirements include:

• Having a valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and a validity that covers the traveler’s duration of stay in Japan (advisable: 6 months validity)
• A signed and completed visa application form
• A recent photo of the traveler taken against a white background
• A secondary identification document such as a driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.
• If the traveler is married, a marriage certificate will be required as well
• Travel itinerary including intended date of travel, place of accommodation during the trip, etc.

If the traveler has been sponsored for their trip to Japan by a Japanese sponsor or guarantor, some additional documentation must be submitted along with the application:

• A letter from the sponsor/guarantor explaining the relationship between the traveler and the sponsor/guarantor
• Proof of the relationship between the sponsor/guarantor and the traveler
• Sponsor/guarantor’s proof of sufficient funds for the traveler’s trip to the country

If applicants do not have a sponsor/guarantor, then they need to submit their own proof of sufficient funds in the form of a recent bank certificate and a copy of their income tax return.

What Can Singaporean Citizens Expect from the New Japanese eVisa?

The Japanese eVisa is currently being developed by the Japanese government as a single-entry eVisa to automatically evaluate a traveler’s details in order to determine their eligibility to travel to the country. Once all details regarding the eVisa have been finalized, more updates will be made available on this website.

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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 .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Duration of intended period of stay. Please note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it

One page required for entry stamp

Amounts equivalent to ¥1,000,000 or above subject to declaration

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Tokyo  1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-3-3224-5856 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe 2-11-5, Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, Japan Telephone: 81-6-6315-5900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-6-6315-5914 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Naha 2-1-1 Toyama, Urasoe City, Okinawa, Japan Telephone: 81-98-876-4211 Emergency Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-98-876-4243 Our  Navigator Assistant  will guide you to the information you need.

U.S. Consulate General Sapporo Kita 1-jo Nishi 28-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821, Japan Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-11-641-1115 Fax: 81-11-643-1283 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. All assistance at the Consulate General Sapporo is by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Fukuoka 5-26 Ohori 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052, Japan Telephone: 81-92-751-9331 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-92-713-9222 [email protected] Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Routine services are provided by appointment only.

U.S. Consulate Nagoya Nagoya International Center Bldg. 6th floor, 1-47-1 Nagono, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya 450-0001, Japan Telephone: 81-52-581-4501 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 81-3-3224-5000 Fax: 81-52-581-3190 Our Navigator Assistant will guide you to the information you need. Emergency services are provided by U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe. 

Destination Description

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Japan for information on U.S-Japan relations.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Visit the  Embassy of Japan  website for the most current visa information.

There are no COVID-related entry requirements for U.S. citizens.

Entry & Exit:

• You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.
• You cannot work on a 90-day "visa free" entry.
• "Visa free" entry status may not be changed to another visa status without departing and then re-entering Japan with the appropriate visa, such as a spouse, work, or study visa.
• Visit the Embassy of Japan website for the most current information on all visa categories.
• Japanese immigration officers may deny you entry if you appear to have no visible means of support. 
• All foreign nationals are required to provide fingerprint scans and to be photographed at the port of entry. Exceptions to this requirement include diplomatic and official visa holders, minors, and individuals covered under SOFA Article IX.2. For further information about landing procedures, please visit the  Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website . 
• Make sure your passport is valid. Note you cannot travel on a passport you have previously declared as lost or stolen even if you subsequently locate it. Japanese authorities will likely deny you entry into Japan if you attempt to do so. If you have reported your passport lost or stolen, you must apply for a new passport before travel.

Transiting Japan: 

• Ensure that your passport and visa are valid and up-to-date before you leave the United States. Passport services are not available at the airport.
• Airlines in Japan may deny you boarding for transit if you do not have the required travel documents for an onward destination in another country or if your passport does not have six months of validity remaining. For the entry requirements of the country you are traveling to, visit the  State Department's Country Specific Information  website.

Military/SOFA Travelers:  While active-duty U.S. military personnel may enter Japan under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) with proper Department of Defense (DoD) identification and travel orders, all SOFA family members, civilian employees, and contractors must have valid passports to enter Japan. Please consult the  DOD Foreign Clearance Guide  before leaving the United States.

See  the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website  for various immigration procedures.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:  The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Japan. 

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

For police services in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance services, dial 119.

Crime:  Crime against U.S. citizens in Japan is generally low and usually involves personal disputes, theft, or vandalism. In addition:

• Robberies committed after a victim has been drugged from a spiked drink can occur, especially in nightlife districts.
• Sexual assaults are not often reported, but they do occur, and victims may be randomly targeted.  Victim's assistance resources or shelters are difficult for foreigners to access.
• Hate-related violent crimes rarely occur, although some U.S. citizens have reported being the target of discrimination because of their nationality or their race.
• Pick pocketing can occur in crowded shopping areas, on trains, and at airports.
• Police reports must be filed before leaving Japan, as Japanese police will not accept reports filed from overseas. 
• In instances involving credit card theft or fraud, Japanese police often provide a report number rather than a police report.  You can provide this report number to your credit card company to confirm the incident with the police.

Entertainment and Nightlife Districts in Tokyo: 

• Exercise caution in all entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro. 
• Incidents involving U.S. citizens in these areas include physical and sexual assaults, drug overdoses, theft of purses, wallets, cash and credit cards at bars or clubs, and drugs slipped into drinks. 
• Drink spiking at bars and entertainment venues, especially in areas such as Roppongi and Kabuki-cho, near Shinjuku, has led to robbery, physical and sexual assaults, and credit card fraud.  Some victims regain consciousness in the bar or club; other victims may awaken on the street or other unfamiliar locations.
• U.S. citizens have reported being threatened with gun or knife violence in such venues so that they will pay exorbitant bar tabs or withdraw money.  U.S. citizens have also reported being beaten when they have refused to pay or hand over money.
• There have been reports of U.S. citizens being forcibly taken to ATMs and robbed, or made to withdraw funds after being unable to pay exorbitant bar tabs.
• Please be aware that Roppongi, Kabuki-cho, and other entertainment and nightlife districts have also been the scenes of violence between criminal syndicates. 

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams. 

Police reports must be filed at the nearest police station prior to departure from Japan. The Japanese police cannot accept reports filed from overseas. Report crimes to the local police at 110 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 03-3224-5000 (011-81-3-3224-5000 from overseas).  Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care;
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police;
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent;
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms;
• provide a list of local attorneys;
• provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. ;
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home; and/or
• replace a stolen or lost passport.

Contacting Police, Fire and Ambulance Services:  You can reach the police throughout Japan by dialing 110. Fire and ambulance services can be contacted by dialing 119.  Note that English-speaking dispatchers may not be available. Please review advice on  “Calling for Help” on our  website . If you need assistance, you should be able to describe your address/location in Japanese or find someone who can do so, since few police officers speak English.

Domestic Violence:  Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

Tourism:  The Victim's assistance resources or battered women's shelters exist in major urban areas, but are difficult for foreigners to access. These types of resources are also generally unavailable in rural areas. Investigations of sexual assault crimes are often conducted without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim's sexual history and previous relationships.

See our webpage for more  information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to Japanese law while you are in Japan. If you violate Japanese laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. If you are arrested in Japan,  even for a minor offense , you may be held in detention without bail for several months or more during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Some offences are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of Japanese law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

The vast majority of arrests of U.S. citizens in Japan are for drug-related offenses. Japanese authorities aggressively pursue drug smugglers and users, including recreational users with sophisticated detection equipment, "sniffing" dogs, blood tests, “stop and frisk” tactics, and other methods. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking a drug that is illegal in Japan are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines. Please note that some drugs which may be legal in certain jurisdictions outside of Japan, including marijuana and synthetic drugs, remain illegal in Japan. This also applies to certain prescription drugs that doctors in the United States may prescribe.  Japanese law makes no distinction between medical and recreational marijuana; therefore, having a prescription for medical marijuana will not help you avoid arrest or prosecution. Even possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal medical or recreational use can result in a long jail sentence and fine. Japanese customs officials carefully screen incoming packages, and individuals who are mailed drugs can be arrested and prosecuted as drug traffickers.   

Confiscation of Prescription Drugs and Other Medication:  It is important to note that some medications that are routinely prescribed in the United States, including Adderall and marijuana, are strictly prohibited in Japan. The Japanese government decides which medications may be imported legally into Japan. The Embassy and Consulates of Japan in the United States have limited information available and do not have a comprehensive list of specific medications or ingredients. Please see more  information on importing medicines  into Japan.

You must carry your U.S. passport or Japanese Residence Card (Zairyu Kado) with you at all times. In Japan, you may be taken in for questioning if you do not have your passport or Japanese residence card to show your identity and status in Japan (e.g., as a visitor, student, worker, or permanent resident).

It is illegal to work in Japan while in tourist or visa-waiver status. Overstaying your visa or working illegally may lead to fines of several thousands of dollars, and in some cases, re-entry bans as long as 10 years, or indefinitely for drug offenders. For additional information, please see  Japan’s Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  and contact the  Japanese Embassy  or nearest Japanese Consulate in the United States for more information.

Driving under the influence of alcohol could also land you immediately in jail. The blood-alcohol limit in Japan is 0.03%. Punishments can be up to 10,000 USD in fines and up to five years in prison.

Possession of a gun or ammunition is a crime in Japan. Carrying a knife with a locking blade, or a folding blade that is longer than 5.5 cm (a little more than two inches), is illegal in Japan. U.S. citizens and U.S. military personnel have been arrested and detained for more than 10 days for carrying pocket knives that are legal in the United States but illegal in Japan. The possession of lock-picking tools is illegal in Japan.

Establishing a Business : Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

A  list of English-speaking lawyers  located throughout Japan is available on our  website .

Arrest Notification : If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See the Department of State’s webpage  and the Embassy’s  website  for additional information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they may still be illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice’s website for more information .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI+ events in Japan.

Laws governing rape, sexual commerce, and other activity involving sexual relations do not apply to same-sex sexual activity. This leads to lower penalties for perpetrators of same-sex rape and sexual assault and greater legal ambiguity surrounding same-sex prostitution.

See our  LGBTQI+ Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:  The law in Japan prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities. Japanese disability laws require the public sector to provide reasonable accommodations and the private sector to make best efforts in employment, education, access to health care, or the provision of other services; however, there are no penalties for noncompliance. Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Although Japan’s accessibility laws mandate that new construction projects for public use include provisions for persons with disabilities, older buildings are not likely to have been retrofitted for accessibility. At major train stations, airports, and hotels, travelers with disabilities should encounter few accessibility problems. Note that many smaller stations are inaccessible to those who cannot climb stairs. Information on travel in Japan for travelers with disabilities is available at  Accessible Japan .

Travelers with disabilities can learn more about resources available in country from the Japan National Tourism Organization’s  traveling with a disability page .

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Conditions at Prisons and Detention Facilities:  Japanese prisons and detention facilities maintain internal order through a regime of very strict discipline.  U.S. citizen prisoners often complain of stark, austere living conditions and psychological isolation.  Heating in winter can be inadequate in some facilities, food portions can be significantly smaller than what many may be accustomed to, and access to specialized medical care, particularly mental health care, at detention facilities and prisons is sometimes limited. Additional  information on arrests in Japan  is available on our embassy website.

Customs Regulations:  Please contact the Japanese Embassy or nearest Japanese consulate in the United States, or  visit the Japanese Customs website  for specific information regarding import restrictions and customs requirements.

Japanese customs authorities encourage the use of an Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission (ATA) Carnet in order to temporarily import professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and trade fairs into Japan.  For additional information, please call (212) 354-4480, or  email the U.S. CIB  for details.

Pets:  The Japanese  Animal Quarantine Service  (AQS) sets procedures for importing pets. At a minimum, the process will take seven to eight months, though the process can take up to a year before a pet may enter Japan. Advance planning is critical. You can find more information about  importing a pet into Japan  or information about  exporting a pet from Japan  on our  Embassy website.

Employment Issues:  U.S. citizens should not come to Japan to work without having the proper employment visa arranged ahead of time. Teaching English, even privately, and serving as hosts/hostesses are both considered "work" in Japan and are illegal without the proper visa.

Some U.S.-based employment agencies and Japanese employers do not fully or correctly represent the true nature of employment terms and conditions. A minimum requirement for effectively seeking the protection of Japanese labor law is a written and signed work contract. If there is no signed contract, Japanese authorities are not able to act on behalf of foreign workers. If you are coming to Japan to work, carefully review your contract and the history and reputation of your Japanese employer before traveling to Japan. Complaints against U.S.-based employment agencies or recruiters may be directed to the  Better Business Bureau  or the Office of the Attorney General in the relevant state(s).

Disaster Preparedness : Japan is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and landslides. See the  Embassy’s  webpage for recommendations and steps you can take to prepare for an emergency. The Japan Tourism Organization’s  Safety Tips app  and  NHK World app  provide Japanese government emergency “J-Alerts” to your cell phone in English through push notifications. “J-Alerts” can provide early warning emergency alerts on earthquakes predicted in a specific area, sometimes seconds before an earthquake hits. 

Radiation: Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant : The Government of Japan continues to closely monitor the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. You should comply with all travel restrictions and cautions put into place by the Government of Japan for areas surrounding the plant. For more information, contact the  Japan Nuclear Regulation Authority .

For police service in Japan, dial 110. For fire or ambulance, dial 119.

Ambulance services are widely available but receiving hospitals may decline to accept inbound patients unless they can provide proof of funds to pay for services.

COVID-19 Testing:

• Travelers should contact Japanese local health providers to determine the location of testing facilities within Japan. A non-comprehensive list of some COVID-19 testing facilities can be found here on the Embassy website.

COVID-19 Vaccines:

• The COVID-19 vaccine is available for U.S. citizens to receive in Japan.
• Review the Government of Japan’s  English language website  on COVID-19 vaccinations in Japan.
• Visit the FDA's website to  learn more about FDA-approved vaccines  in the United States. 

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Some care providers in Japan only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the government of  Japan’s Ministry of Health website to ensure the medication is legal in Japan; possession, use, or importation of a prescription drug that is illegal in Japan may result in arrest and criminal prosecution. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing prescription medicine, you should arrive with a sufficient supply for your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care provider.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations recommended  by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Japan has a national health insurance system which is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan. National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical caregivers in Japan may require payment in full at the time of treatment or concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is not a member of the national health insurance plan.

U.S.-style and standard psychological and psychiatric care can be difficult to locate outside of major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of Japan's major cities. Extended psychiatric care can be very difficult to obtain.

Air Quality: Visit AirNow Department of State for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety : Driving in Japan can be complicated and expensive. Traffic moves on the left side of the road. Those who cannot read the language will have trouble understanding road signs. Highway tolls can be very high, and city traffic is often very congested. A 20-mile trip in the Tokyo area may take two hours. There is virtually no legal roadside or curbside parking; however, traffic is commonly blocked or partially blocked by those illegally parked curbside. In mountainous areas, roads are often closed during the winter, and cars should be equipped with tire chains. Roads in Japan are much narrower than those in the United States.

Traffic Laws : Japanese law provides that all drivers in Japan are held liable in the event of an accident, and assesses fault in an accident on all parties. Japanese compulsory insurance (JCI) is mandatory for all automobile owners and drivers in Japan. Most short-term visitors choose not to drive in Japan. Turning right or left on red lights is not permitted in Japan, and all passengers are required to fasten their seat belts.

Japan has a national 0.03 percent blood-alcohol-level standard for driving, and drivers stopped for driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their licenses confiscated. If you are found guilty of driving under the influence, speeding, or blatantly careless driving resulting in injury, you are subject to up to 15 years in prison. 

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. The National Police Agency (NPA) oversees the administration and enforcement of traffic laws in Japan. You can find further information in English on the  NPA English website . Information about roadside assistance, rules of the road, and obtaining a Japanese driver's license is available in English from the  Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) web site . See  the Japan National Tourism Organization’s website for car rental and driving in Japan.

Emergency Assistance : For roadside assistance, please contact the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) at 03-5730-0111 in Tokyo, 072-645-0111 in Osaka, 011-857-8139 in Sapporo, 092-841-5000 in Fukuoka, or 098-877-9163 in Okinawa.

International Driving Permits (IDPs):  An international driving permit (IDP) issued in the United States by the American Automobile Association (AAA) or the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) is required of short-term visitors who drive in Japan. You must obtain an IDP issued in your country of residence prior to arriving in Japan. The U.S. Embassy andU.S. consulates do not issue IDPs. IDPs issued via the Internet and/or by other organizations are not valid in Japan. 

Foreign residents in Japan who use an IDP may be fined or arrested. In practice, the term “resident” involves more than simply visa status or length of stay in Japan and is determined by the police. In short, a driver license from country outside Japan is not a substitute for a valid Japanese license for foreign residents. See the U.S. Embassy’s  website  for more information on driving in Japan.

Aviation Safety Oversight : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Japan’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Japan’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA's safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel : Mariners planning travel to Japan should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts  in the Alerts section of the Embassy’s messages. Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) broadcast warnings website portal  select “broadcast warnings.”

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in  Japan . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the  International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA )  report.

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Frail pope to embark on Asia trip, his longest ever, in September

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Sydney knife attacker shot dead after killing 5 in Bondi, police say

An attacker who fatally knifed five people in a Sydney mall was shot dead by police in Sydney's beachside suburb of Bondi on Saturday, police said, as hundreds fled the scene.

A Russia-installed official in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region said on Saturday that shelling by Ukraine's military had killed eight people, including two children, in the town of Tokmak.

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Pope to visit Indonesia, PNG, East Timor, Singapore in September

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ope Francis will visit Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore in September, the Vatican announced on Friday, an ambitious trip that could test the 87-year-old's increasingly fragile health.

Running from September 2 to 13, the trip covering around 30,000 kilometers in total is the longest for the Argentine since he became head of the worldwide Catholic Church in 2013.

"He will visit Jakarta from 3 to 6 September, Port Moresby and Vanimo from 6 to 9 September, Dili from 9 to 11 September and Singapore from 11 to 13 September," the Vatican said in a statement.

The visit has been on the cards for months, but the pontiff's health issues had raised questions on whether it would go ahead.

Francis pulled out of a key Easter event at the last minute at the end of March and has asked aides to read several of his speeches in recent weeks due to a bout of bronchitis.

The pontiff, who uses a wheelchair, has suffered increasing health problems in recent years, from knee pain to surgery for a hernia and on his colon.

He is known for his work ethic — he never takes holidays — but has been forced to make concessions to his age and health, including cancelling a trip to United Nations climate talks in Dubai in 2023.

Involving more than 30 hours of flight, an eight-hour time difference and a series of meetings and masses, the September trip will represent a major physical challenge.

Francis had been due to visit Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Indonesia in September 2020 but the trip was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The government in Indonesia, which has the world's second largest Muslim population, had already announced the pope's visit in March, describing it as a "special gift" for the country's Catholics.

In a statement on Friday, the Indonesian Foreign Ministry said the visit was important "for all religious communities".

"The visit is also expected to strengthen the message of tolerance, unity and world peace."

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