Documents to travel to Japan

Asia is a extremely interesting continent and it is impossible to say that you visited it, unless you have been to Japan. This is one of the most transcendental countries on the planet; where you can get in touch with a ancient culture that, despite having taken great steps towards modernity, still retains the richness of its origins.

Also known as the Country of the rising sunJapan is one of the places more attractive of the world from the tourist point of view. Lovers of modernity are amazed by the advanced technology that characterizes its operation. But above that, prevails the beauty of its landscapesarchitecture and its captivating culture.

A very common opinion among those who have had the opportunity to travel to Japan is that it is a enriching experience. The contact with shrines, castles wave tragic history of hiroshima, are just some of the references that are often more impressive for visitors. And of course, one cannot fail to mention his varied and peculiar gastronomy.

Requirements to enter Japan

One of the essential preparations when embarking on a journey is related to the migratory aspects. In the case of Japan, the entry conditions are very similar to those commonly required in other countries. However, they are not exempt from particular aspects, such as the following:

• Valid passport. Unlike other countries that usually require three or six months of validity of this document, Japan does not. However, it is necessary that it be electronic and valid for the duration of the stay in that country.
• Return flight booking. It is a non-essential requirement, for those citizens who can enter the country without a visa. However, it is recommended to have it on hand, as the authorities may require it.
• travel form. Which is delivered to each passenger during the flight and must be delivered to the corresponding authority upon arrival at the airport. It is essential to provide accurate information, since the authorities carry out a very detailed evaluation of the people who enter the country.

As a recommendation, it is important to make sure that the passport is in good condition. The Japanese authorities tend to be demanding in review of said identity document and they do not usually accept those that are damaged.

Travel conditions for visa-exempt citizens

not all travelers they must comply with the visa requirement. Japan has established agreements with 68 countries, whose citizens are exempt from applying said permission. You can check the list by going to this website: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html#list

However, the exemption does not apply in the same way for all countries. While, in some cases, the permit is valid for a maximum of 90 days, in others, such as Germany, Ireland or Mexico, the entry authorization is extended for six months. Likewise, the citizens of these 68 nations will be able to enjoy said prerogative, provided that their reason for trip be one of the following:

• sightseeing
• Family visit
• Business meetings
• Participation in Japanese congresses or events
• Courses for learning the Japanese language

Those who enter for other reasons or intend to stay in the country for longer than the time established in the exemption agreementsThey will need to apply for a visa. Nor will they enjoy this benefit, citizens who do not have a electronic passport.

Furthermore, we should mention that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visa waiver agreements are temporarily suspended. The authorization is only maintained for people who present a passport of Canada, United States, Serbia, Turkey Chile, Mauritius and North Macedonia. This is a measure that the Japanese authorities have taken in order to minimize the entry of foreigners and increase national security.

Requirements to obtain a tourist visa

Citizens of countries that have not been benefited by the migration agreements concluded with Japan, must process a visa to authorize their lawful entry into the Japanese nation. To obtain it, it is necessary to present the following documentation to the corresponding embassy:

• Valid electronic passportwith at least two blank pages.
• Visa application formprinted on A4 size sheet and on both sides.
• A passport-style photographrecent and on a white background.
• confirmation of departure flight booking.
• Dependent employees, they must provide the original and a copy of the salary and withholding certificate for the last year, issued by their employer. Or failing that, a document verifying said information.
• Entrepreneurs and independent professionals, they must present the original and a copy of the Income Tax payment certificate. Or, failing that, a receipt with the bank account movements, in which the current balance is appreciated.
• Activity program.

Those traveling under the responsibility of a resident citizen of Japanthey must contribute guarantee letterdocuments of economic solvency and identification of the person receiving them. This, in order to demonstrate that it has the capacity to assume the expenses that the tourist generates during his stay. All the formats required to apply for the visa can be downloaded here: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html

As an important note, it should be noted that currently, the granting of visas to tourists It is suspended due to the pandemic. However, Japan recognizes that there are special circumstances that could motivate the trip to that country. In such cases, foreign or national citizens will have to process a extraordinary visa.

COVID-19| Biosecurity requirements for entry to Japan

Despite the millions of tourists anxiously waiting for the opening of japanese bordersthe authorities still do not allow the entry of foreigners traveling by leisure reasons. Only those who go by business, studies, technical training, Japanese residents or those who want visit relativesprovided they meet these requirements:

• Negative PCR test. Taken within 72 hours prior to arrival in Japan. The certificate must comply with the conditions established by the Japanese government and specified in the following document: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001347333.pdf
• Download certain applications to your smartphone. These are: OEL, MySOS, and CoCoA, which have been developed by the Japanese Ministry of Health, in order to more effectively attend to cases of COVID-19. Those who do not have a compatible mobile phone will have to rent one during your stay.
• Strict quarantine upon arrival. It will be 3 days for people who have a valid and complete vaccination schedule. At the end of this period, a PCR test will be applied and if it is negative, the person may leave confinement.

Those who are not vaccinated or have not completed the scheme, will comply 10 day quarantine. At the end of this period, a PCR test in order to determine if it is safe to lift the lockdown.

The sanitary measures that the Japanese government has established since the beginning of the pandemic have undergone variations. Therefore, travelers must consult updated information on the decrees issued by the authorities, in order to ensure that Meet the requirements and they will not be deported. To do this, we recommend entering the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of that country: https://www.mofa.go.jp/index.html

Additional tips for traveling to Japan

planning is the base of a good trip. Beyond how good improvised experiences feel, there are aspects that a tourist should know before reaching your destination; especially if it has unusual traditions like the ones in Japan. Here are some tips that will help you avoid unpleasant or uncomfortable situations:

• Plan your trip taking into account the seasons. Many events depend on this criterion and also the possibility of enjoying certain natural landscapes.
• avoid doing currency exchange in banks, their commissions are very high.
• Not all ATMs allow withdrawals using foreign credit cards. Therefore, try to take with you enough cashyou can get them at the exchange house.
• If you can’t speak Japanese, try to learn some typical phrases. Also check which expressions can be offensive.
• Hire a travel insuranceit is useful at any time and especially now, that the pandemic has not yet been overcome.
• Sunday is one of the days when roads and public places collapse, because the Japanese do not usually stay at home. Keep this in mind when making your travel program.
• The best times to go out to see closed places such as museums, temples or castles It’s early in the morning. This way you will avoid crowds.
• If there is something you don’t know, feel free to ask. the japanese are very kind peopleThey will not hesitate to help you.
• Make the most of your smart mobile. In Japan, technology is very advanced and they have apps for everything, and especially some that are very useful when it comes to guiding tourists.

And finally, respect the Sacred places; the Japanese take their faith and the practices derived from it very seriously. Even if you don’t share it or understand it, avoid doing or saying anything offensive about it. As far as this subject is concerned, it is best go unnoticed. And with that, you are ready to start your journeyyou just have to check your agenda and choose the perfect date.