studytrip
***** Article first published on March 20, 2020 and updated on May 21, 2022 *****
Due to the constantly changing nature of events, please see here for the latest information on Japan’s travel advisories or confirm with your local Japanese embassy.
After a two-year entry ban due to the coronavirus pandemic, Japan is slowly opening up its borders. We know you’re probably wondering what the latest situation is, so here is an update.
Japan re-opening borders
From March 2022, Japan re-opened its borders to international students after limiting entry to Japanese citizens and returning foreign residents only. This excluded temporary visitors, such as travellers.
From June 1 2022, Japan will waive COVID-19 tests and self-quarantine periods for people arriving from low-risk areas (this excludes tourists and temporary visitors). The government will categorise countries and regions into three groups: red, yellow and blue. The blue group will be the low-risk group and visitors from that group will not have to take tests or follow quarantine rules, even if they have not received their booster shots.
Visitors from the red group will need to take tests upon arrival and isolate for three days at a designated quarantine facility. If they have all three vaccine shots, then they can self-quarantine in their own accommodation instead. Those from the yellow group must also take tests and self-quarantine in their own accommodation for three days, unless they have all three shots in which case they will not have to take the tests or quarantine.
The government will announce which countries are in which groups in due course.
Additionally, the daily limit for new arrivals will be increased from 10,000 to 20,000 on June 1.
There is some hope on the horizon for travellers too – from May the government will be allowing a small number of foreign tourists into Japan on an experimental basis as part of strictly-planned package tours. Tourists who have been triple-vaccinated and come from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore will be allowed to take part in the tours.
Daily personal precautions
According to the World Health Organisation, the best advice for avoiding infection by coronavirus is the same as for other respiratory viral infections, such as the common cold and seasonal influenza;
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
We recommend everyone to incorporate these precautions into their daily lives, wherever they are based.
Health insurance
As part of the study trip package, you have fully comprehensive travel insurance for the full extent of the trip, you can see the full details here or contact us directly for any questions. COVID-19 is going to be covered the same as any new eligible illness that occurred after the effective start date of the participant’s policy.
Updates
We hope with this information you now feel more informed about the realities of the current situation and reassured by the extra measures that Japan is taking to ensure the safety of its citizens and visitors.
To be kept up-to-date on the latest news about the coronavirus we recommend checking credible news sources such as the World Health Organisation, which you can find here.
Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns about the ongoing coronavirus situation and how this affects your study trip, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Last Updated on May 21, 2022
