In response to the spread of the mutated variants of the novel coronavirus, the Japanese government is continuing to strengthen border controls for passengers entering Japan.
As a result, many of these newly introduced measures have made entry into Japan more complicated than before. ANA have therefore summarized the necessary travel documentation and requirements to gain entry into Japan.
ANA kindly asks all of our passengers to utilize the checklist below to ensure all required documentation is prepared prior to travel.
Checklist: Required Travel Documents for Entry into Japan
ANA kindly requests all passengers to fully read and acknowledge the information written below:
Please be aware that there have been many instances where travelers have been rejected entry into Japan due to insufficient written certification of a negative COVID-19 test.
As per the instructions of the Japanese government, ANA reserves the right to deny boarding to any passenger who is not able to provide valid certification of a negative COVID-19 test upon check-in.
Passengers are strongly recommended to prepare all written certification in alignment with the prescribed format provided by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan.
Example Cases of Denied Boarding
* Passengers providing evidence which does not properly specify the type of specimen tested, method of inspection, and/or the time and date of the inspection. (There have been several instances where the lack of required information indicated by medical institutions have led to passengers being denied boarding.)
- Inspection Time and Date: COVID-19 inspection was not taken 72 hours prior to departure
- Type of Specimen Tested: The inspection method conducted and/or documentation wording differs to that as instructed on the official homepage of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan. (Exact wording and phrasing as indicated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is required.)
Common Mistakes:
A nasopharyngeal swab is a valid form of testing.
A pharyngeal swab is not considered a valid form of testing.
Inaccurate English wording/phrasing within the documentation
(i.e. Use of abbreviations within documentation etc.) - Method of Inspection: The documentation wording differs to that as instructed on the official homepage of Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan. (Exact wording and phrasing as indicated by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare is required.)
* Passenger is not in possession of valid visa
- Type of visa does not currently permit entry into Japan
- Valid time period for visa has expired