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Japan Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Japan

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Recommended in public spaces.

Japan entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Japan from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Japan.

Can I travel to Japan if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Can I travel to Japan without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Japan without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Japan?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Japan.

Can I travel to Japan without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Japan?

Mask usage in Japan is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Japan?

Restaurants in Japan are open. Bars in Japan are .

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Consular Services

Covid-19 vaccination certificates valid for entry into japan from abroad.

In applying measures based on New Border Measures (28) (May 20, 2022), COVID-19 vaccination certificates recognized as valid since July 31, 2022, in principle, fall under any of the categories 1. or 2. below.

(1) COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued by either the Government of Japan or a local public authority/municipality in Japan (The COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for overseas travel)
(2) Documents to prove vaccination for COVID-19 issued by a local public authority/municipality in Japan
(3) Records of Vaccination for COVID-19 issued by medical institutions in Japan
(Note 1) COVID-19 vaccination certificates written in languages other than Japanese or English are considered as valid if the translation (Japanese/English) is attached and all the items are clearly identifiable.
(Note 2) Mix-and-match vaccines are also considered as valid.
(Note 3) In applying measures based on New Border Measures (28), COMIRNATY manufactured by Fosun Pharma / BioNTech and Covishield / COVOVAX manufactured by the Serum Institute of India are treated as identical to COMIRNATY, Intramuscular injection / Pfizer and Vaxzevria, Intramuscular injection / AstraZeneca, Nuvaxovid, Intramuscular injection / Novavax respectively.
(Note 4) In applying measures based on New border measures (28), COMIRNATY manufactured by Fosun Pharma / BioNTech and Covishield / COVOVAX manufactured by the Serum Institute of India are treated as identical to COMIRNATY, Intramuscular injection / Pfizer and Vaxzevria, Intramuscular injection / AstraZeneca, Nuvaxovid, Intramuscular injection / Novavax respectively.
(3) The certificate should be issued by an official body, such as a government.

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Should we cancel or postpone our trip to Japan?
Coronavirus advisory information
What should I do if I am infected with COVID-19 in Japan?
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World Health Organization Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
General Information
Climbing Mt. Fuji
Pass/Tickets
Safe Travel
Maps & Brochure Request

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Japan Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Japan.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
Flu (influenza)
Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Consider hepatitis A vaccination for most travelers. It is recommended for travelers who will be doing higher risk activities, such as visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where a traveler might get infected through food or water. It is recommended for travelers who plan on eating street food.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Japan. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Japan.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

Japanese Encephalitis

Recommended for travelers who

Are moving to an area with Japanese encephalitis to live
Spend long periods of time, such as a month or more, in areas with Japanese encephalitis
Frequently travel to areas with Japanese encephalitis

Consider vaccination for travelers

Spending less than a month in areas with Japanese encephalitis but will be doing activities that increase risk of infection, such as visiting rural areas, hiking or camping, or staying in places without air conditioning, screens, or bed nets
Going to areas with Japanese encephalitis who are uncertain of their activities or how long they will be there

Not recommended for travelers planning short-term travel to urban areas or travel to areas with no clear Japanese encephalitis season.

Japanese encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine for US Children

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Japan.

If rabies exposures occur while in Japan, rabies vaccines are typically available throughout most of the country.

Rabies pre-exposure vaccination considerations include whether travelers 1) will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and 2) might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.

Please consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.

For more information, see country rabies status assessments .

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Tick-borne Encephalitis

Avoid bug bites

Learn more about tick-borne encephalitis at your destination .

Tick-borne Encephalitis - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
Avoid contaminated water and soil
Avoid floodwater

Clinical Guidance

Airborne & droplet, avian/bird flu.

Being around, touching, or working with infected poultry, such as visiting poultry farms or live-animal markets
Avoid domestic and wild poultry
Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
Bite from an infected rodent
Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
Avoid rodents and areas where they live
Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Japan, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Although Japan is an industrialized country, bug bites here can still spread diseases. Just as you would in the United States, try to avoid bug bites while spending time outside or in wooded areas.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Consider using permethrin-treated clothing and gear if spending a lot of time outside. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
2-undecanone
Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Japan include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip:

Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
If you are outside for many hours in the heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if you are driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

Use latex condoms correctly.
Do not inject drugs.
Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance for things your regular insurance will not cover.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medicines you take.
Bring copies of your prescriptions for medicine and for eye glasses and contact lenses.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Japan’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Make sure there are seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Japan, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Japan.

Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
Follow all local laws and social customs.
Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Japan for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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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 X (formerly known as "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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Home > Ongoing Topics > COVID-19 Vaccines

Ongoing Topics

Covid-19 vaccines.

Total number of vaccine doses administered to date (as of April 1, 2024)*: ：436,193,341 Incremental changes from March 26, 2024: ＋174,966 (Vaccinations since autumn 2023: ＋169,073 )

Total number of vaccinations since autumn 2023**:

Breakdown of the total number of vaccine doses***: ※2 -->

* Total number of vaccine doses administered on or before March 30, 2024, including all (first ~ seventh) doses

** Vaccinations since September 20, 2023.

*** Beginning with the data released on September 26, 2023, the population data used to calculate the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated has been updated based on the Basic Resident Registration data as of January 1, 2023. In addition, in calculating the percentage of the population that has been vaccinated, all doses administered before 2023 and doses administered to those who have died are excluded.

Latest Information

New contents are added (February 17, 2021)
The COVID-19 Vaccine page is now online (February 16, 2021)
Press conference by Chief Cabinet Secretary/Minister in Charge of Promoting Vaccinations Matsuno
Other COVID-19 vaccine-related videos

Message by Minister in Charge of Promoting Vaccinations Horiuchi

COVID-19 vaccines have shown substantial effects.

It has been confirmed that after a second dose, the COVID-19 vaccine administered to you has an efficacy of roughly 95% in reducing the risk of developing symptoms (the onset of symptoms) such as fever or cough.
The vaccine has been confirmed as being highly effective in preventing the onset of symptoms even in the elderly and people with underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

COVID-19 vaccines will not only benefit you but also be an important instrument in reducing the burdens on medical institutions.

Many aspects of COVID-19 remain unknown. By the end of April 2021, roughly 590,000 people in Japan have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infections, of which more than 10,000 people have died. (The percentage dying or needing intensive care is approximately 1.6% [0.3% for people under 60 years of age and 8.5% for people aged 60 or above].)

The Government recommends that people get vaccinated because the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risk of side reactions.

Vaccination may result in the body reacting to the vaccine through local reactions that include pain in the area where the shot was administered and systemic reactions such as fever or headaches. These reactions are more frequent after the second dose than the first dose and the older the recipient is, the less frequently they occur. It is best to be vaccinated when your physical condition is essentially fine and to take things easy after receiving the vaccine.
People with a history of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, will be observed for longer than usual (30 minutes) after the injection is given, and should anaphylaxis occur, necessary treatment will be provided by medical workers.
The Government recommends that people get vaccinated because at present, serious safety concerns have not arisen and the benefits of taking the vaccine outweigh the drawbacks of side reactions.

The Government will continually confirm the safety of the vaccines and provide safety-related information.

When granting approval to the COVID-19 vaccine, the Government examined comparative trials (clinical trials) involving tens of thousands of people in total to confirm that serious side reactions did not occur after vaccination. In order to continually confirm vaccine safety even now that approval has been granted, when anaphylaxis or serious symptoms suspected by a doctor to be connected to the vaccination arise, these cases will be reported and experts will assess the situation, in accordance with the law. These reports will include cases such as the worsening of underlying conditions or death after vaccination in which a causal relationship with the vaccination cannot be immediately assessed. In such cases the Government will gather a wider range of information and conduct an assessment.

There are groups that will receive priority in getting the COVID-19 vaccination. The entire government is working in an all-out manner to expedite vaccinations.

The Government will make all-out efforts to provide local governments with enough vaccine doses by the end of June to enable all elderly persons desiring it to receive their second dose, with the end of July in mind. We will also begin broadly inoculating the general public, including people with underlying health conditions, starting from those municipalities that have prospects for finishing vaccinations of the elderly.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be available free of charge.

The costs of vaccination for all Japanese nationals and all eligible foreign residents, will be covered in full by public funds.
Vaccines will never be administered without the recipient’s consent. We urge the public never to coerce vaccinations at the workplace or upon others around them, and never to treat those who have not received the vaccine in a discriminatory manner.

The entire government is working in an all-out manner to expedite vaccinations.

For more information

For detailed information related to COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the website of the prefectural government of your place of residency.

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Passports, travel and living abroad
Travel abroad
Foreign travel advice

Before you travel check that:

your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 119 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

check the latest vaccine recommendations for Japan
see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Japan including:

biting insects and ticks

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Japan. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro .

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro .

It is illegal to carry some common prescription and over-the-counter medicines under Japan’s strictly enforced law on anti-stimulant drugs. This includes:

Vicks inhalers
medicines for allergies and sinus problems
cold and flu medication containing pseudoephedrine
some over-the-counter painkillers containing codeine

Foreign nationals have been detained and deported for these offences. If you’re travelling with medication, check its status with the Japanese Embassy in the UK .

Healthcare in Japan

Medical facilities in Japan are of a high quality, but treatment is expensive. Expect to pay the whole cost of any treatment you receive.

Medical facilities may check your insurance, which could delay your treatment.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Japan where some staff will speak English.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Japan .

COVID-19 healthcare

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has information on COVID-19 for travellers in Japan and a guide to accessing medical facilities in Japan .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Japan travel advice

Latest updates: Natural disasters and climate – updated information on the earthquake near Kyushu

Last updated: August 8, 2024 20:17 ET

Fukushima nuclear power plant and surrounding area

Following the 2011 incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japanese authorities have placed restrictions, including travel and overnight stay bans, on the plant's surrounding area due to the risk of exposure to radiation. Restricted areas are clearly identified.

Follow the instructions of local authorities.

Assistance of Residents Affected by the Nuclear Incidents – Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Tensions on Korean Peninsula

The regional security situation on the neighbouring Korean Peninsula could deteriorate suddenly. Tensions may increase before, during and after North Korean nuclear and missile tests. Military exercises and activities may also escalate tension.

Remain vigilant
Monitor developments to stay informed on the current situation
Follow the instructions of local authorities, including the Cabinet Secretariat's guidance on civil protection

Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal

Crime against foreigners is generally low. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs from time to time. Be cautious in entertainment and nightlife districts throughout Japan, especially in these four in Tokyo:

If you are the victim of a crime, file a police report at the closest station of the incident. Occasionally, local police may be hesitant to prepare a report for foreigners. If this happens, contact the Embassy of Canada to Japan for assistance.

Drug trafficking

An increasing number of travellers report having been used as unwitting drug couriers.

Penalties for drug-related criminal activities are severe. Even unsuspecting individuals transporting packages containing narcotics can be criminally charged and face long jail sentences.

Be wary of individuals, even those you know, who ask you to carry a package to Japan on their behalf.

Useful links

Drugs, alcohol and travel

International Drug Smuggling Scams

Spiked food and drinks

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. These items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

There are reports of incidents where staff, or other customers at bars and nightclubs, have mixed drugs and copious amounts of alcohol into drinks of unsuspecting clients. These incidents are particularly frequent in the districts of Kabukicho and Roppongi in Tokyo. The intend is usually to defraud, overcharge services, rob or assault the person.

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. There have been incidents of overcharging at bars and clubs. Disputes over overcharging have led to violence.

Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements and contact your financial institution as soon as possible if irregularities

Overseas fraud

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Inappropriate physical contact may occur on busy subways and trains. There are women-only train cars during rush hour on some subway and train lines.

Advice for women travellers

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are generally good throughout the country. However, roads may be narrow.

Japan Road Traffic Information Center (in Japanese)

Public transportation

Taxis are generally safe.

Use only officially marked taxis
Negotiate fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged
Have your destination written in Japanese as drivers may not understand English

Taxis in Japan – Japan National Tourism Organization

Train and subway

Travel by subway and train is quick and convenient. Signs are usually in Japanese but signage in English is becoming more common, especially in larger cities and at tourist destinations.

General safety information

Emergency information and advice for tourists is available from the Japan National Tourism Organization .

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Japanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Japan. If you plan to travel to other countries in the region, check passport validity requirements for the countries you plan to visit.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodations arrangements and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

Japanese officials will photograph and fingerprint visitors upon arrival. Exceptions may apply.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan

Registration

Japanese regulations require that visiting foreigners give detailed information when checking in at hotels or other lodging facilities.

Foreigners must also allow their passports to be photocopied.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary.

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a risk in some areas of this destination. It is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is spread to humans by the bite of infected ticks or occasionally when unpasteurized milk products are consumed.

Travellers to areas where TBE is found may be at higher risk during April to November, and the risk is highest for people who hike or camp in forested areas.

Protect yourself from tick bites . The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is very low for most travellers. Travellers at relatively higher risk may want to consider vaccination for JE prior to travelling.

Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:

travelling long term (e.g. more than 30 days)
making multiple trips to endemic areas
staying for extended periods in rural areas
visiting an area suffering a JE outbreak
engaging in activities involving high contact with mosquitos (e.g., entomologists)

Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus. Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.

The flu occurs worldwide.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to April.
In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and October.
In the tropics, there is flu activity year round.

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

In this destination, rabies may be present in some wildlife species, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal.

If you are bitten or scratched by an animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional.

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs.

Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
Minimize exposure to insects
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The level of risk may vary by:

The virus that causes chikungunya is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times.

Learn more:

Insect bite and pest prevention Chikungunya

In this country, risk of dengue is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

washing your hands often
avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is very good. Service is available throughout the country.

Services in English could be limited, especially in rural areas. The cost of health-care services is similar to Canada. As a foreigner, you will likely have to pay in advance or provide a document proving that the bill will be paid prior to discharge.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Health insurance for foreign workers

As a Canadian working in Japan, you must have medical and health services coverage for the duration of your stay. If not provided by your Japanese employer, you must subscribe to the national health insurance plan.

If you need to consult medical professionals, the following organizations can refer you to medical facilities with English and other foreign language-speaking staff:

Guide for when you are feeling ill – Japan National Tourism Organization
Medical information net (NABII) – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
AMDA International Medical Information Center

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

In many cases, arrested or detained suspects are denied oral or written communication with anyone other than their lawyer or a Canadian consular representative for an extended period.

If you are detained, even for a minor offence, you may be held without charge for up to 23 days. Police officers may begin their initial questioning before you see a lawyer. You could also be in detention for weeks or months during the investigation and legal proceedings.

Overview of the criminal law system in Japan
Arrest and detention

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy with respect to drugs, including recreational drugs and cannabis. Severe penalties are imposed for the possession of even a small quantity.

Medications

Certain medications are banned in Japan, including:

amphetamines
methamphetamines
pseudoephedrine

You may bring a one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication into Japan, as long as the medication does not contain narcotics (including codeine). You cannot bring banned substances with you, even with a prescription.

You must have a doctor’s note that states your full name, address, the reason for use, and dosage, along with your prescribed medication. Local authorities may also request a detailed listing of the contents of the medication.

If you wish to bring in larger supplies of medication or bring in prescription medication that contains narcotics, you must apply in advance for import certification. You should do so several months prior to arrival.

Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan – Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Japanese law doesn't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Japan.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Japan, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Dual citizens

If you acquire 2 or more citizenships at birth, you can keep them all, including Japanese citizenship, until the age of 18. At 18, you must choose between your Japanese citizenship or other citizenships within a 2-year period.

Japanese family law is different from Canadian family law.

In Japan, joint custody of a child after separation is not a legal option if one of the parents is a Japanese national. As a result, access rights for a non-custodial parent can be limited, if granted.

If you are involved in a custody or other family law dispute in Japan, consult a Japanese family lawyer.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Japan.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Japan, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Japanese court.

If you are in this situation:

act as quickly as you can
contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
consult a lawyer in Canada and in Japan to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
Request emergency assistance

Identification

You must carry your passport or residence card at all times.

A photocopy will not satisfy authorities. Police officers in Japan may ask for your identification documents at any time.

If you fail to do so, you could face arrest or detention.

Working in Japan

Working without an appropriate visa is illegal. Offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine and deportation.

If you are considering employment offers in Japan, contact the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you before coming to Japan.

Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada

Teaching English

You should carefully review a contract to teach English before you sign. There have been incidents of employers not adhering to their contractual obligations.

Ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract and that you meet all requirements before accepting an offer.

Drinking and driving

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe.

Under Japanese law, it’s forbidden to:

drive if you have been drinking
lend a car to someone who has been drinking
serve alcohol to someone who has to drive

If you are a passenger in a car whose driver is under the influence of alcohol, you both are subject to prosecution.

The currency of Japan is the yen (JPY).

Credit cards are accepted in most major hotels and restaurants, but Japan is a predominantly cash-based society.

ATMs are widely available, but many don’t accept foreign debit cards.

Earthquake near Kyushu

On August 8, 2024, a 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck near the Miyazaki Prefecture in southeastern Kyushu, Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a megaquake advisory. There is a heightened risk of a large-scale earthquake which could affect several parts of Japan in the next 7 days.

If you are in Japan, take precautionary measures due to the increased risk of a significant seismic event.

Aftershocks could occur.

If you are in the affected area:

exercise caution
monitor local media for updates on the situation
follow the instructions of local and national authorities, including evacuation orders
Latest earthquake information – NHK World News
Earthquake safety tips – Japan National Tourism Organisation

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Japan. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation.

Seasonal risks

Snowstorms occur in western Honshu and Hokkaido from December to March.

Avalanches can occur in mountainous areas, including at ski resorts. These can cause power disruptions, make roads impassable and limit the ability of responders to reach these areas in case of emergency.

Typhoons usually occur between June and October. During this period, even small storms can quickly develop into major typhoons. Southern areas, including Okinawa and surrounding islands, are more vulnerable.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Japan during the typhoon season:

know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
follow the advice and instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
Severe storms outside Canada
Large-scale emergencies abroad

Seismic activity

Japan is located in an active seismic zone and is prone to a multitude of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, flooding, volcanic eruptions. Strong earthquakes occur, as well as tsunamis.

Earthquakes

Each year, Japan experiences thousands of earthquakes of varying magnitudes, some triggering tsunamis. Deaths, injuries and significant damage may occur.

Japan is prone to tsunamis. A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you're staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region's evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

There are a number of active volcanoes. The Japan Meteorological Agency lists active volcanoes and associated warnings.

If you are travelling near a volcano, check for the latest activity and warnings. Always follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

Emergency notifications application – NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation)
Japan Meteorological Agency
Information in case of natural disasters – Japan National Tourism Organization
Earthquakes – Government of Canada
Tsunami alerts – U.S. Tsunami Warning System
Volcanic alert levels and warnings – Japan Meteorological Agency

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

police: 110
medical assistance: 119
firefighters: 119

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Japan, in Tokyo, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

When calling from within Japan, the area code is preceded by a 0. There is no 0 when calling from outside Japan. If placing a call to a cellular phone number, you do not need to enter the code.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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Latest update

Exercise normal safety precautions in Japan.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Japan (PDF 460.84 KB)

Asia (PDF 2.29 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, medical emergencies.

Call 110 or contact the local police at the nearest police station.

For Tokyo English-speaking Police, call 3501 0110 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm).

Advice levels

Reconsider your need to travel to the restricted areas near the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant.

Following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake on 8 August, the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a megaquake advisory for large parts of Japan. There's a possibility for further earthquakes. Monitor local media and follow advice of local authorities.

Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Japanese authorities have detailed plans to respond to natural disasters. In an earthquake, follow the advice of local authorities and emergency signage. Move to higher ground immediately if you're in a coastal region after a major earthquake. Check the Disaster Prevention Portal for more information.
All major disaster warnings are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). We recommend downloading NHK’s smart phone application to keep up to date with a natural disaster or other emergency alerts.
A series of earthquakes occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan on and after 1 January 2024. Some infrastructure may remain impacted. Follow the advice of local authorities if travelling to affected areas.
Regional tensions and the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen with little warning. Tensions, which may affect Japan, could arise because of missile tests by North Korea. For advice see Japan's Civil Protection Portal Site .
Japan has a low crime rate. Petty theft can happen, like bag snatching at popular tourist attractions. There's a risk of crime in bars and nightclubs. Crimes include overcharging, credit card fraud, forced withdrawal of large amounts of cash at ATMs, drink spiking and assault. Avoid taking large amounts of money and be vigilant in carrying your debit/credit card) when in bars or clubs and at parties.

Full travel advice: Safety

Japan has strict rules about bringing medicine into the country, including some ingredients in ADHD and cold and flu medication. If you plan on bringing in medication, check if it's legal before you travel. See the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website for more information.
Restricted zones exist around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The 2011 earthquake caused the release of lethal radiation. Radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, are within the normal range.
Medical facilities are of a high standard. You can find English-speaking medical staff in most major cities. You may need to pay upfront before you're treated.

Full travel advice: Health

You must carry your passport (or Japanese residency card) with you at all times.
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Authorities can charge you if they find trace amounts of illegal drugs in your blood or urine.
Japanese family law, including divorce and child custody, is very different to Australian law. For example, joint custody of a child after divorce is not a legal option, and there are limits to access for a non-custodial parent. The Family Courts in Japan generally consider that it is in a child's best interests for them to remain in their "usual place of residence". Courts, therefore, usually give sole custody to the parent who has taken care of the child most recently. If you're involved in custody or other family disputes, it is important to seek legal advice about your options both in Japan and in Australia. We have produced some general information about custody, child abduction and parental rights.
Some employment agents mislead and encourage foreigners to work in Japan without the correct paperwork. If you want to work in Japan, verify the work offered and get the correct visa. Get legal advice before signing a contract.
Japan has strict alcohol laws. The legal drinking age is 20. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream. Allowing someone who has been drinking to drive is also illegal. Laws restrict alcohol consumption in specific areas on certain days, such as in Shibuya around Halloween night (31 October) and New Year's Eve. Smoking on the street is illegal in Tokyo and some other cities.

Full travel advice: Local laws

Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel. You don't need a visa to travel to Japan for up to 90 days. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. It is your responsibility to verify visa requirements from the nearest embassy or consulate of Japan.
If you're travelling for any other reason, contact your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to check if you need a visa, especially if you plan to work in Japan. Penalties may apply if you work in Japan on a tourist visa.
It's dangerous to climb Mount Fuji from September to June.
You can drive for up to 1 year with an Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit. If you're staying longer, you will need to obtain a local licence. Heavy snowfalls and ice in winter can make driving dangerous. It's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

The Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in Tokyo or the Consulate-General in Osaka .
To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Japan has security measures in place at key facilities, such as:

public transport
public event venues
entry ports

More information:

Terrorist threats

Regional Threats

Regional tensions and the security situation, including with North Korea, could worsen with little warning. Tensions, which may affect Japan, could arise because of missile tests by North Korea.

The Japanese Government has confirmed an increase in missile launch activity from North Korea towards Japan. At times, 'take shelter' alerts have been issued in some parts of Japan.

To stay safe:

be alert to developments
review the Civil Protection Portal Site advice from the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat for National Security Affairs and Crisis Management
follow the instructions of local authorities
check NHK World for the latest information

Japan has a low crime rate. Petty theft can happen, like bag snatching at popular tourist attractions from time to time.

There's a risk of crime in bars and nightclubs, especially in the Roppongi and Shinjuku (Kabuki-cho) entertainment areas of Tokyo. Both men and women have been targeted. You may be targeted with:

overcharging
fraudulent credit card charges
forced withdrawal of large amounts of cash at ATMs
drink spiking
illegal drugs

You may be served drinks with higher alcohol content than normal. Some victims have woken in unknown places and discovered high credit card charges. Other victims have been taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw a large sum of cash while under the effects of drink spiking.

In these situations, you may find it hard to get a police report for your bank and travel insurer.

never leave your drink unattended, and be cautious of accepting drinks from strangers or recent acquaintances
don't take large amounts of cash to parties, bars, clubs or entertainment districts and be vigilant in carrying your debit/credit card
Partying overseas

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

Cyber security when travelling overseas

Mountain climbing and trekking

Trekking and mountaineering can be dangerous. Register your plans with local police before you go into the mountains, and take an emergency locator beacon with you.

Every year, a number of people die while trying to climb Mount Fuji.

Japanese Emergency Services warn against climbing from September to June when it's most dangerous. Check the official Mount Fuji Climbing website for each trail's climbing season dates.

Check your travel insurance covers you for extreme activities, such as mountain climbing.

Hikers and other travellers may encounter bears in parts of rural Japan. There have been incidents of fatal bear attacks. Some prefectural governments provide safety advice regarding bears.

If you plan to hike or camp in rural and mountainous areas of Japan:

follow local safety advice and pay attention to
warning notices

Snow sport safety

Back-country skiing (off-piste) and snowboarding is dangerous in most parts of Japan. You should stay within the boundaries of the ski resort.

Take an emergency locator beacon with you if you plan to explore other areas of the mountains.

Many travellers have suffered serious head injuries they could've prevented by wearing the right equipment.

Check your insurance policy covers you for snow sports.

Local ski resorts govern rules in each ski region. You can be arrested and detained for unruly behaviour.

If you're skiing in Japan:

use a helmet and protective gear
learn local rules and get weather updates from your hotel, a local tourism centre or the local ski resort
obey local ski region rules
only visit areas that local authorities mark as safe
know what your travel insurance policy covers you for

Climate and natural disasters

A series of earthquakes occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture in Central Japan on and after 1 January. Some infrastructure may remain impacted. Exercise caution and follow local authorities' advice if travelling to affected areas.

Japan experiences natural disasters and severe weather , including:

volcanic eruptions
earthquakes

In an emergency, consular help may be severely limited.

Be prepared to deal with emergencies by:

maintaining a basic emergency supply kit
securing your passport in a safe, waterproof place
follow the advice of local authorities, emergency services and local media updates. Make sure you react to any evacuation orders.

Disaster preparation

The Japan National Tourism Organization provides disaster preparation Safety Tips for visitors to Japan and other useful emergency information.

In any emergency or crisis, it's important to keep in contact with family and friends if possible.

The following stations broadcast emergency information in English:

US Armed Forces station (810 AM)
Inter FM (76.1 FM) in Tokyo

Japanese public broadcaster NHK provides a free smartphone app , which can be set to receive emergency notifications in English. This includes earthquake, tsunami, volcanic eruption, typhoon, and missile warnings.

If there's a natural disaster:

follow local authorities' advice
react to any evacuation orders
monitor the media, other local information sources, and the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
keep in contact with family and friends

Earthquakes and tsunamis

There's a constant risk of earthquakes and tsunamis.

The Japan Meteorological Agency provides information in English about earthquakes and tsunamis.

Know the dangers of a major earthquake and the emergency plan information in your area. Know where your local shelter is. This information is available from local or prefectural government offices, such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Disaster Prevention .

Local authorities are responsible during a crisis for helping people living or travelling within their jurisdictions.

If there's an earthquake:

follow the advice of local authorities
check the Japan Meteorological Agency for earthquake and tsunami information
move to higher ground straight away if you're in a coastal region
Latest earthquake information (NHK World News)
Earthquake safety tips (Japan National Tourism Organisation)

Typhoons and severe weather

The typhoon season is from May to November, with most activity between July and September.

Local authorities broadcast current typhoon information through the local media and the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

If there's a typhoon approaching:

check the latest typhoon information from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s website
be alert to landslide risk areas

If there is heavy rain, stay indoors. If necessary, evacuate to a place on the second floor or higher. Find out the location of your nearest evacuation shelter and move there when safe to do so.

Keep away from areas with:

steep hills at risk of landslides
flooded streets

Be careful of fallen electrical lines.

Japan has 110 active volcanoes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has a list of the latest volcano warnings.

If you plan to visit a volcanic area:

be aware of alert levels, which can change at short notice

Winter weather

Parts of Japan experience heavy snowfalls and extremely low temperatures in winter.

Conditions can change suddenly.

Each year, people are injured or killed in snow-related incidents, including:

motor vehicle accidents
ice falling from roofs
prolonged exposure to extreme cold
ski accidents

Walking alone or under the effects of alcohol, or straying from marked trails, can be fatal.

Avalanches are common and heavy snowstorms can create deep powder snow drifts.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you are travelling while pregnant, confirm that your policy covers both your pregnancy and your baby in the event of a premature birth. Medical services for premature babies can cost over $A 150,000. See the advice for pregnant travellers page for more information.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

Different environments, unfamiliar customs and language barriers may worsen existing mental health conditions. They may also trigger new issues.

Mental health treatment and services can differ to those in Australia.

If you need counselling services in English while in Japan:

call TELL Lifeline (+81 3) 5774 0992
call TELL Counselling (+81 3) 4550 1146
General health advice
Healthy holiday tips (HealthDirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Japan has strict rules about bringing medication into the country. This affects both medication imports and medication you carry for personal use.

There are 4 categories (PDF 250 KB) of medicine. These are:

psychotropic

You may need a permit or certificate to take medication into Japan. This will depend on the medication's classification, name and quantity.

Some medication is banned, including:

the stimulant dexamphetamine, used to treat ADHD
pseudoephedrine, found in some cold and flu tablets

Authorities could detain you if you're found with them.

For narcotic medications, including codeine, morphine and oxycodone, apply for a Narcotic Certificate. If you don't have this certificate when you enter Japan, authorities may confiscate the medication.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Japan. Take enough legal medication for your trip. See the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare for more information.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

what the medication is
your required dosage
that it's for personal use
Bringing medication into Japan

Health risks

Restricted areas exist around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. The 2011 earthquake caused the release of lethal radiation. Radiation levels in almost all parts of Japan, including Tokyo, are within the normal range.

Monitor advice by the Japanese Government . There are ID checks points into the Restricted Areas . Do not enter without permission.

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) provides details on radiation in Japan. ARPANSA has assessed the radiation levels in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo, to be within the normal range.

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Nuclear Regulation Authority

Insect-borne diseases

Japanese encephalitis can occur in Japan's rural areas. Get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis before you travel.

To protect yourself from disease:

make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Measles and rubella

Measles and rubella cases have been reported in Japan in recent years.

Make sure your vaccinations are up to date before you travel.

Infectious diseases
Measles immunisation service
Rubella immunisation service

Medical care

Medical facilities.

Medical facilities are of a high standard. You can find medical facilities with English-speaking staff in most major cities, however, you may have difficulties finding English-speaking medical staff in some parts of Japan.

Medical care in Japan can be expensive. You may need to pay up-front or give a guarantee that you'll cover costs before you're treated.

The Japan National Tourism Organization lists hospitals with English and other foreign language-speaking staff.

There are many hospitals with decompression chambers in areas where diving is popular.

Medical information for Japan

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you within the scope of our Consular Services Charter , but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

See the Australian Embassy Tokyo website for more information about arrests in Japan.

Be aware that you won't be allowed to make a phone call if you are arrested in Japan. You can also be detained for up to 23 days without any formal charge.

Authorities can arrest and charge you if they find trace amounts of illegal drugs in your blood or urine.

Carrying or using drugs
Tokyo Metropolitan Government

Japanese family law, including divorce and child custody, is very different to Australian law. For example, joint custody of a child after divorce is not a legal option, and there are limits to access for a non-custodial parent. The Family Courts in Japan generally consider that it is in a child’s best interests for them to remain in their “usual place of residence”. Courts therefore usually give sole custody to the parent who has taken care of the child most recently.

If you're involved in custody or other family disputes, consult a lawyer before you leave Australia or if you are already in Japan. We have produced some general information about custody, child abduction and parental rights.

Australia and Japan are both parties to The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.

If you're concerned that your child has been wrongfully removed to or detained in Japan, contact the Attorney-General's Department in Australia.

Travelling with children

Employment law

Some employment agents may mislead and encourage foreigners to work in Japan without:

the correct visa
financial arrangements in place

This could leave you open to exploitation and prosecution.

Authorities have arrested Australians for working in the entertainment industry while in Japan on tourist visas.

If you want to travel to Japan for work:

check the true nature of the work offered
get the correct visa before arriving in Japan
get legal advice before signing any contract

Living or working overseas

Police powers

Police can stop you on the street, demand identification and search you and your belongings.

If you're in a public place, police can seize:

knives longer than 5.5cm, including blades and penknives
any other weapons or things you could use as weapons
any item they reasonably suspect you stole or have unlawfully

If they find any of these items on you, it’s likely that police will detain you.

If you're arrested, police can detain you for up to 23 days without charge, including for offences you might think are minor. Police might hold you for weeks or months while they investigate and undertake legal proceedings.

The initial police interview could last several hours. Police might record it in writing rather than electronically.

Under Japanese law, you can:

remain silent
access legal representation
have an interpreter provided

However, in Japan police can question you without your lawyer present.

English interpreters may be substandard. Get a list of English-speaking lawyers around Japan from the Australian Embassy website.

If you're visiting Japan short-term as a tourist or for business, you must always carry your passport.

If you live in Japan, you must always carry your residence card.

It's illegal to:

buy or drink alcohol if you're under 20 years old
drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream
allow someone under the influence of alcohol to drive a vehicle in which you're a passenger

The following activities are also illegal:

importing or possessing firearms or other weapons without a permit
smoking on the streets in some parts of Tokyo and other cities
using UHF-CB radios (walkie-talkies) that don't meet Japanese standards, such as those purchased outside Japan
resisting arrest or other actions that obstruct an official's duties
flying a drone without a permit in many areas of Japan. Strict regulations apply under aviation laws
having illegal drugs in your body (detected by urine testing).

Penalties for serious crimes, such as murder, include the death penalty.

Other sentences can include:

heavy fines
lengthy jail terms with hard labour
deportation

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law

Dual citizenship

Japan recognises dual nationality until the age of 20, after which the dual national must decide which nationality to retain.

Dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Australians are eligible for Japan's visa exemption scheme for short-stay tourism and business travel.

You don't need a visa if you're visiting for less than 90 days:

as a tourist
for a business trip or conference
to visit friends and family

After entering under the visa exemption scheme, entry status cannot 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.

See the Embassy of Japan in Australia website for more information (including eligibility and required documents).

See the Ministry for Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs websites for full details on entry requirements.

More information

Immigration Bureau of Japan (Government of Japan)
Customs and Tariff Bureau of Japan (Government of Japan)

Border measures

If you're transiting through Japan and your onward flight is leaving from a different airport, you must enter Japan. In order to transit between airports you will need to meet the entry requirements detailed above.

Please confirm any questions about transit directly with your airline.

Other formalities

You'll be photographed and fingerprinted electronically when you arrive, even if you're a permanent resident in Japan. If you refuse, immigration officers could deny you entry.

Travellers aged under 16 years, or who hold a diplomatic or official visa, are exempt.

If you'll be staying in Japan long term, you will need to register your details with the Immigration Bureau of Japan before arriving. Once you present the correct landing permission, you'll get a residence card. You must always carry it with you.

Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

in Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service .
if you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate .

If you lose your passport while travelling in Japan, try retracing your steps. Lost items are often handed into hotels, shop owners, train stations and police boxes.

It's important to look after your passport carefully. Passports that have gone through a washing machine or exposed to heavy rain will likely need to be replaced.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

LGBTQIA+ travellers

The Japanese currency is the Yen (JPY).

No restrictions apply to bringing foreign currency in or out of the country. Declare all amounts more than JPY 1 million or equivalent, when you arrive or leave. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.

Cash is preferred in most places, but cards are becoming more widely used, especially in major cities.

Hotels accept major credit cards. Credit cards are still not widely accepted outside major cities.

Some ATMs at banks and convenience stores don't accept foreign cards.

Ask your bank if your cards will work in Japan.

Local travel

Check the Japan National Tourism Organization for emergency updates in English. The site also has advice on safe and hassle-free travel in Japan.

Fukushima and surrounding areas

There are some restricted areas around the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant. This is due to the 2011 earthquake that resulted in the release of lethal radiation. The Japanese Government specifies these areas.

If you must stay overnight in restricted areas, ask local authorities for advice on how to minimise health risks.

Monitor and follow the advice from local authorities.

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

Travelling in Japan with a Disability

Japan has a number of resources available online with tips and advice on travelling around Japan as a tourist with a disability.

Japan Travel – Traveling with a disability
Japan Accessible Tourism Center
Accessible Travel Japan
Advice for travellers with a disability

Driving permit

To drive in Japan, you must hold either:

a valid Japanese driver's licence, or
a valid International Driving Permit (IDP) and a current Australian driver's licence

After 365 days, you need to get a Japanese licence.

Get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Driving in Japan
Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department

Road travel

Roads and vehicles are mostly well-maintained and traffic is orderly.

Vehicles travel is on the left-hand side like in Australia. In Japan it's illegal to drive with any alcohol in your bloodstream.

Heavy snowfalls and ice in the winter can make driving dangerous, especially if you are unaccustomed to driving in these conditions. Ensure your vehicle has the necessary equipment, including snow tyres, chains, and a dig-out kit. More information:

Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check your travel insurance policy covers you for riding motorbikes.

Always wear a helmet.

It's safe to use taxis in Japan.

Taxi drivers usually open and shut the rear passenger doors remotely.

Public transport

Japan has modern and reliable rail and bus services.

Transport and getting around safely

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Japan's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Passenger ferries depart from Tokyo (Yokohama) to many destinations across Japan as well as Asia.

Several international cruises stopover in Japan.

Going on a cruise

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)’s Tourist Information Center accepts telephone enquiries 24 hours a day. Call (+81 3) 3201 3331.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

You can also contact the National Consumer Affairs Center of Japan’s Consumer Hotline for Tourists. Call (+81 3) 5449 0906 from Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm, excluding national holidays.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider

For Tokyo English-speaking Police, call (+81 3) 3501 0110 (Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5:15pm).

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

If a report is hard to get, seek advice from a lawyer or the English-speaking Police.

Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Mental health services

Call TELL Lifeline services in English (+81 3) 5774 0992.

Call TELL Counselling services in English (+81 3) 4550 1146.

Living in Japan

English information on living in Japan is available from the:

Japanese Cabinet Office
Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
Tokyo International Communications Committee

In Tokyo, for advice from the Foreign Residents' Advisory Centre , call (+81 3) 5320 7744.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Tokyo or Australian Consulate-General in Osaka .

Australian Embassy, Tokyo

2-1-14 Mita, Minato-ku

Tokyo 108-8361

Phone: (+81 3) 5232 4111

Fax: (+81 3) 5232 4057

Website: japan.embassy.gov.au

Email: [email protected]

Facebook: Australian Embassy Japan

Instagram: @australianinjpn

X: @AustraliaInJPN

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian Consulate-General, Osaka

16th Floor, Twin 21MID Tower

2-1-61 Shiromi, Chuo-ku

Osaka 540-6116

Phone: (+81 6) 6941 9271 or (+81 6) 6941 9448

Fax: (+81 6) 6920 4543

Website: japan.embassy.gov.au/tkyo/location_osaka.html

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia

Travelling to Japan?

Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.

Japan summer holidays in full swing amid megaquake caution

Japan's summer holiday season moved into full swing on Saturday as people heading to their hometowns, crowded railway stations and airports amid caution following the weather agency's advisory over a potential megaquake.

"It is my first visit to my hometown in five years after a hiatus due to the coronavirus. Now it is an earthquake," Tomohiro Ogawa, 49, a resident of Chiba Prefecture, said at a packed JR Tokyo Station, adding he has discussed preparing for a disaster following the alert with his family.

On Thursday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its first-ever advisory on a potential megaquake in the Nankai Trough, which runs along the Pacific coast, just hours after a magnitude 7.1 quake struck southwestern Japan, with its epicenter in waters off Miyazaki Prefecture, near the western edge of the trough.

Although the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train ran at reduced speed in one section in central Japan, causing delays of around 20 minutes, reserved seats for services departing Tokyo were mostly sold out throughout Saturday.

At JR Nagoya Station, a 20-year-old resident from Yokohama near Tokyo said he fully charged his smartphone and brought more water than usual as a precautionary measure.

At Haneda airport in Tokyo, seats for domestic flights, including those bound for areas where the megaquake could potentially cause damage, have almost been full.

"We can finally go on a family trip after being forced to repeatedly cancel due to the coronavirus. I am worried about an earthquake, but we can't worry about it too much," Masatoshi Eguchi, 48, said at Haneda airport before leaving for Okinawa in southern Japan.

At Miyazaki airport, Rikuto Kawashima, 24, who arrived from Fukuoka Prefecture, said, "I was worried if my parents' home was damaged due to the (M7.1) quake. I am glad I could visit my hometown safely."

Konomi Matsuo, from Tokyo, was greeted with a hug by her family at the airport, and she said, "I am worried about aftershocks."

In Kochi Prefecture, one of the regions expected to be affected by a potential megaquake along the Nankai Trough, Ryuta Nakaoka, who arrived at Kochi Airport from Aichi Prefecture to visit his parents, said, "I will stay on alert until I leave Kochi."

A university student who arrived at JR Kochi Station from Kagawa Prefecture said, "I have concerns (about the megaquake), but I am also worried about my family."

Following the issuance of the advisory, accommodation facilities in tourist spots, especially those located along the Pacific coast in central and western Japan, were hit by cancellations, while some beaches in the regions have been closed and swimming prohibited.

Up to 64 people have taken refuge at evacuation centers in Aichi and Kochi prefectures in response to the advisory, according to local governments.

For the Bon holidays between Friday and Aug. 18, railway operators said reserved seats were up around 1.2 times from a year earlier on local and bullet trains as of July 25. Reservations for domestic flights were roughly unchanged from the year before.

Operators of expressways said traffic jams of 10 kilometers or more are 1.6 times more likely to occur.

Related coverage:

Japan braces for potential massive quake after M7.1 temblor

Domestic travel top Japan leisure pursuit but under pre-COVID level

Aug 10, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Students in need of Japanese language support rise to record 69,000

Aug 8, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

M7.1 quake hits southwestern Japan, megaquake fear grows

Chinese man in japan indicted over yasukuni shrine graffiti.

Jul 30, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan sees higher-than-usual risk of megaquake off Pacific Coast

Aug 9, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

M5.3 quake hits near Tokyo, unlikely linked with potential megaquake

Taste the Word Home Away From Home in Tokyo

More from Japan

Kyodo News Digest: Aug. 10, 2024

No unusual geological strains in western Japan amid megaquake alert

Hotels, Japanese inns hit by cancellations after megaquake alert

Typhoon may hit northeastern Japan on Aug. 12, bring heavy rain

U.S. ambassador to Japan planning to leave post in November

M6.8 quake jolts northern and northeastern Japan

"Pair loans" on the rise amid condo price hikes in Tokyo area

2 Japanese in Thai custody over charge of murdering compatriot

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COVID-19 vaccines: Get the facts

Looking to get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines? Here's what you need to know about the different vaccines and the benefits of getting vaccinated.

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to cause illness, you might have questions about COVID-19 vaccines. Find out about the different types of COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects, and the benefits for you and your family.

COVID-19 vaccine benefits

What are the benefits of getting a covid-19 vaccine.

Staying up to date with a COVID-19 vaccine can:

Help prevent serious illness and death due to COVID-19 for both children and adults.
Help prevent you from needing to go to the hospital due to COVID-19 .
Be a less risky way to protect yourself compared to getting sick with the virus that causes COVID-19.
Lower long-term risk for cardiovascular complications after COVID-19.

Factors that can affect how well you're protected after a vaccine can include your age, if you've had COVID-19 before or if you have medical conditions such as cancer.

How well a COVID-19 vaccine protects you also depends on timing, such as when you got the shot. And your level of protection depends on how the virus that causes COVID-19 changes and what variants the vaccine protects against.

Talk to your healthcare team about how you can stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines.

Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I've already had COVID-19?

Yes. Catching the virus that causes COVID-19 or getting a COVID-19 vaccination gives you protection, also called immunity, from the virus. But over time, that protection seems to fade. The COVID-19 vaccine can boost your body's protection.

Also, the virus that causes COVID-19 can change, also called mutate. Vaccination with the most up-to-date variant that is spreading or expected to spread helps keep you from getting sick again.

Researchers continue to study what happens when someone has COVID-19 a second time. Later infections are generally milder than the first infection. But severe illness can still happen. Serious illness is more likely among people older than age 65, people with more than four medical conditions and people with weakened immune systems.

Safety and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines

What covid-19 vaccines have been authorized or approved.

The COVID-19 vaccines available in the United States are:

2023-2024 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, available for people age 6 months and older.
2023-2024 Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, available for people age 6 months and older.
2023-2024 Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, available for people age 12 years and older.

These vaccines have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization or approval.

In December 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine two-dose series was found to be both safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in people age 18 and older. This data helped predict how well the vaccines would work for younger people. The effectiveness varied by age.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved under the name Comirnaty for people age 12 and older. The FDA authorized the vaccine for people age 6 months to 11 years. The number of shots in this vaccination series varies based on a person's age and COVID-19 vaccination history.

In December 2020, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine was found to be both safe and effective in preventing infection and serious illness among people age 18 or older. The vaccine's ability to protect younger people was predicted based on that clinical trial data.

The FDA approved the vaccine under the name Spikevax for people age 12 and older. The FDA authorized use of the vaccine in people age 6 months to 11 years. The number of shots needed varies based on a person's age and COVID-19 vaccination history.

In July 2022, this vaccine was found to be safe and effective and became available under an emergency use authorization for people age 18 and older.

In August 2022, the FDA authorized the vaccine for people age 12 and older. The number of shots in this vaccination series varies based on a person's age and COVID-19 vaccination history.

In August 2022, the FDA authorized an update to the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines. Both included the original and omicron variants of the virus that causes COVID-19. In June 2023, the FDA directed vaccine makers to update COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines were changed to target a strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 called XBB.1.5. In September and October 2023, the FDA authorized the use of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines made by Novavax, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech.

How do the COVID-19 vaccines work?

COVID-19 vaccines help the body get ready to clear out infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use genetically engineered messenger RNA (mRNA). The mRNA in the vaccine tells your cells how to make a harmless piece of virus that causes COVID-19.

After you get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, your muscle cells begin making the protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. The immune system recognizes the protein and begins building an immune response and making antibodies. After delivering instructions, the mRNA is immediately broken down. It never enters the nucleus of your cells, where your DNA is kept.

The Novavax COVID-19 adjuvanted vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine. These vaccines include only protein pieces of a virus that cause your immune system to react the most. The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine also has an ingredient called an adjuvant that helps raise your immune system response.

With a protein subunit vaccine, the body reacts to the proteins and creates antibodies and defensive white blood cells. If you later become infected with the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies will fight the virus. Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines don't use any live virus and can't cause you to become infected with the COVID-19 virus. The protein pieces also don't enter the nucleus of your cells, where your DNA is kept.

Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?

No. The COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. don't use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Because of this, the COVID-19 vaccines can't cause you to become sick with COVID-19.

It can take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it's possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated.

What are the possible general side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine?

Some people have no side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine. For those who get them, most side effects go away in a few days.

A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose. Pain and swelling where people got the shot is a common side effect. That area also may look reddish on white skin. Other side effects include:

Fever or chills.
Muscle pain or joint pain.
Tiredness, called fatigue.
Upset stomach or vomiting.
Swollen lymph nodes.

For younger children up to age 4, symptoms may include crying or fussiness, sleepiness, loss of appetite, or, less often, a fever.

In rare cases, getting a COVID-19 vaccine can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction can include:

Breathing problems.
Fast heartbeat, dizziness or weakness.
Swelling in the throat.

If you or a person you're caring for has any life-threatening symptoms, get emergency care.

Less serious allergic reactions include a general rash other than where you got the vaccine, or swelling of the lips, face or skin other than where you got the shot. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms.

You may be asked to stay where you got the vaccine for about 15 minutes after the shot. This allows the healthcare team to help you if you have an allergic reaction. The healthcare team may ask you to wait for longer if you had an allergic reaction from a previous shot that wasn't serious.

Contact a healthcare professional if the area where you got the shot gets worse after 24 hours. And if you're worried about any side effects, contact your healthcare team.

Are there any long-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines?

The vaccines that help protect against COVID-19 are safe and effective. Clinical trials tested the vaccines to make sure of those facts. Healthcare professionals, researchers and health agencies continue to watch for rare side effects, even after hundreds of millions of doses have been given in the United States.

Side effects that don't go away after a few days are thought of as long term. Vaccines rarely cause any long-term side effects.

If you're concerned about side effects, safety data on COVID-19 vaccines is reported to a national program called the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System in the U.S. This data is available to the public. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) also has created v-safe, a smartphone-based tool that allows users to report COVID-19 vaccine side effects.

If you have other questions or concerns about your symptoms, talk to your healthcare professional.

Can COVID-19 vaccines affect the heart?

In some people, COVID-19 vaccines can lead to heart complications called myocarditis and pericarditis. Myocarditis is the swelling, also called inflammation, of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is the swelling, also called inflammation, of the lining outside the heart.

Symptoms to watch for include:

Chest pain.
Shortness of breath.
Feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart.

If you or your child has any of these symptoms within a week of getting a COVID-19 vaccine, seek medical care.

The risk of myocarditis or pericarditis after a COVID-19 vaccine is rare. These conditions have been reported after COVID-19 vaccination with any of the vaccines offered in the United States. Most cases have been reported in males ages 12 to 39.

These conditions happened more often after the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and typically within one week of COVID-19 vaccination. Most of the people who got care felt better after receiving medicine and resting.

These complications are rare and also may happen after getting sick with the virus that causes COVID-19. In general, research on the effects of the most used COVID-19 vaccines in the United States suggests the vaccines lower the risk of complications such as blood clots or other types of damage to the heart.

If you have concerns, your healthcare professional can help you review the risks and benefits based on your health condition.

Things to know before a COVID-19 vaccine

Are covid-19 vaccines free.

In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccines may be offered at no cost through insurance coverage. For people whose vaccines aren't covered or for those who don't have health insurance, options are available. Anyone younger than 18 years old can get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children program. Adults can get no-cost COVID-19 vaccines through the temporary Bridges to Access program, which is scheduled to end in December 2024.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have an existing health condition?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people who have existing health conditions, including conditions that have a higher risk of getting serious illness with COVID-19.

The COVID-19 vaccine can lower the risk of death or serious illness caused by COVID-19. Your healthcare team may suggest that you get added doses of a COVID-19 vaccine if you have a moderately or severely weakened immune system.

Cancer treatments and other therapies that affect some immune cells also may affect your COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your healthcare professional about timing additional shots and getting vaccinated after immunosuppressive treatment.

Talk to your healthcare team if you have any questions about when to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Is it OK to take an over-the-counter pain medicine before or after getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

Don't take medicine before getting a COVID-19 vaccine to prevent possible discomfort. It's not clear how these medicines might impact the effectiveness of the vaccines. It is OK to take this kind of medicine after getting a COVID-19 vaccine, as long as you have no other medical reason that would prevent you from taking it.

Allergic reactions and COVID-19 vaccines

What are the signs of an allergic reaction to a covid-19 vaccine.

Symptoms of a life-threatening allergic reaction can include:

If you or a person you're caring for has any life-threatening symptoms, get emergency care right away.

Less serious allergic reactions include a general rash other than where you got the vaccine, or swelling of the lips, face or skin other than where the shot was given. Contact your healthcare professional if you have any of these symptoms.

Tell your healthcare professional about your reaction, even if it went away on its own or you didn't get emergency care. This reaction might mean that you are allergic to the vaccine. You might not be able to get a second dose of the same vaccine. But you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions?

If you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medicines, you may still get a COVID-19 vaccine. You're typically monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.

If you've had an immediate allergic reaction to other vaccines or injectable medicines, ask your healthcare professional about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. If you've ever had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine, the CDC recommends not getting that specific vaccine.

If you have an immediate or severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, don't get the second dose. But you might be able to get a different vaccine for your second dose.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding and fertility with COVID-19 vaccines

Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the covid-19 vaccine.

The CDC recommends getting a COVID-19 vaccine if:

You are planning to or trying to get pregnant.
You are pregnant now.
You are breastfeeding.

Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine helps prevent severe COVID-19 illness. It also may help a newborn avoid getting COVID-19 if you are vaccinated during pregnancy.

People at higher risk of serious illness can talk to a healthcare professional about additional COVID-19 vaccines or other precautions. It also can help to ask about what to do if you get sick so that you can quickly start treatment.

Children and COVID-19 vaccines

If children don't often experience severe illness with covid-19, why do they need a covid-19 vaccine.

While rare, some children can become seriously ill with COVID-19 after getting the virus that causes COVID-19 .

A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent your child from getting the virus that causes COVID-19 . It also may prevent your child from becoming seriously ill or having to stay in the hospital due to the COVID-19 virus.

After a COVID-19 vaccine

Can i stop taking safety precautions after getting a covid-19 vaccine.

You can more safely return to activities that you might have avoided before your vaccine was up to date. You also may be able to spend time in closer contact with people who are at high risk for serious COVID-19 illness.

But vaccines are not 100% effective. So taking other action to lower your risk of getting COVID-19 still helps protect you and others from the virus. These steps are even more important when you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital. Protection also is important as time passes since your last vaccination.

If you are at higher risk for serious COVID-19 illness, basic actions to prevent COVID-19 are even more important. Some examples are:

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick or has symptoms, if possible.
Use fans, open windows or doors, and use filters to move the air and keep any germs from lingering.
Wash your hands well and often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow. Then wash your hands.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces. For example, clean doorknobs, light switches, electronics and counters regularly.
Spread out in crowded public areas, especially in places with poor airflow. This is important if you have a higher risk of serious illness.
The CDC recommends that people wear a mask in indoor public spaces if COVID-19 is spreading. This means that if you're in an area with a high number of people with COVID-19 in the hospital a mask can help protect you. The CDC suggests wearing the most protective mask possible that you'll wear regularly, that fits well and is comfortable.

Can I still get COVID-19 after I'm vaccinated?

COVID-19 vaccination will protect most people from getting sick with COVID-19. But some people who are up to date with their vaccines may still get COVID-19. These are called vaccine breakthrough infections.

People with vaccine breakthrough infections can spread COVID-19 to others. However, people who are up to date with their vaccines but who have a breakthrough infection are less likely to have serious illness with COVID-19 than those who are not vaccinated. Even when people who are vaccinated get symptoms, they tend to be less severe than those felt by unvaccinated people.

Researchers continue to study what happens when someone has COVID-19 a second time. Reinfections and breakthrough infections are generally milder than the first infection. But severe illness can still happen. Serious illness is more likely among people older than age 65, people with more than four medical conditions and people with weakened immune systems.

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Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Mercadé-Besora N, et al. The role of COVID-19 vaccines in preventing post-COVID-19 thromboembolic and cardiovascular complications. Heart. 2024; doi: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-323483.
Vaccine effectiveness studies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/how-they-work.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Goldman L, et al., eds. COVID-19: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, community prevention, and prognosis. In: Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Elsevier; 2024. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Deng J, et al. Severity and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection compared with primary infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2023; doi:10.3390/ijerph20043335.
What is COVID-19 reinfection? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/reinfection.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Interim clinical considerations for use of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Comirnaty. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/Comirnaty. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Spikevax summary basis for regulatory action. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/Spikevax. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Spikevax package insert. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/Spikevax. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Overview of COVID-19 Vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/overview-COVID-19-vaccines.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, adjuvanted. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/novavax-covid-19-vaccine-adjuvanted. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Pfizer-BioNTech emergency use authorization for unapproved product review memorandum. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/Comirnaty. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Link-Gelles, et al. Estimates of bivalent mRNA vaccine durability in preventing COVID-19-associated hospitalization and critical illness among adults with and without immunocompromising conditions — VISION network, September 2022-April 2023. MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2023; doi:10.15585/mmwr.mm7221a3.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States beginning in fall 2023. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/updated-covid-19-vaccines-use-united-states-beginning-fall-2023. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Coronavirus (COVID-19), CBER-regulated biologics: COVID-19 vaccines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/industry-biologics/coronavirus-covid-19-cber-regulated-biologics. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Understanding how COVID-19 vaccines work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Safety of COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Getting your COVID-19 vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
COVID-19 VIS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/covid-19.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
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Vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS). Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. https://vaers.hhs.gov/. Accessed April 15, 2024.
V-safe. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/ensuringsafety/monitoring/v-safe/index.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/myocarditis.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Vaccines for children. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
Bridge access program. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/index.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
COVID-19: What people with cancer should know. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coronavirus/coronavirus-cancer-patient-information. Accessed April 15, 2024.
COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/pregnancy.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.
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Hygiene and respiratory viruses prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/prevention/hygiene.html. Accessed April 15, 2024.

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Olympics medal count: Team USA in the lead so far

As the world’s greatest athletes compete for both individual glory and national pride at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games , spectators at home will also wonder which country will have the honor of raking in the most medals.

The U.S., China and host country France were leading the medal count by the start of the second week. The Americans have the most medals overall and pulled ahead with most gold medals as well.

American gymnast Simone Biles became the most decorated Olympic gymnast as she earned a gold medal with the women’s team, followed by individual gold medals in the all-around and vault competitions . She earned a silver in beam.

Katie Ledecky also made history for earning the most medals for a female Olympian after several wins in swimming.

The women’s rugby sevens team also made Team USA history by earning its first-ever medal in the bronze medal game against Australia. It’s the first rugby medal for the U.S. since the men won gold at the 1924 Olympics, which were also hosted in Paris.

There has been some online debate as to how to properly track which countries are on the Olympic leaderboard: whether it is the overall medals or only gold medals that are the most important gauge of success.

China came in second whether you counted by gold medals or all medals at the start of the final week. The country particularly dominated in shooting and diving, though its swim teams also made the podium multiple times.

The men’s team defeated Team USA in a race the U.S. normally dominates: the 4x100 medley relay.

Some countries have slight advantages by just the sheer volume of athletes they sent to Paris.

The U.S. has the largest delegation, with 594 athletes. France closely follows, with 571.

American Noah Lyles made an impressive show on the track, winning gold in the men’s 100-meter race as the athletics portion of the race. Team USA’s Gabby Thomas also brought home gold in the women’s 200-meter race, with fellow American Brittany Brown earning bronze.

The U.S. is most likely looking for a repeat of its formidable presence at the 2020 Tokyo Games , where it won 113 medals. That’s the most of any country by a significant amount, with China’s 89 medals next.

Russia, whose presence also dominated in past games, is not allowed to compete this year. The International Olympic Committee banned Russi a, along with Belarus, as part of sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine .

Competitors from those countries may participate only as “Individual Neutral Athletes,” and their medals will not be counted for the nations. No one who has actively supported the war for either Belarus or Russia is eligible to compete.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Run for President as Independent, Leaving Democratic Primary

The political scion told supporters he would end his campaign as a Democratic candidate and run as an independent, potentially upsetting the dynamics of the 2024 election.

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., wearing a black suit, points upward while speaking on a stage with signs that read “Kennedy 24 Declare your independence.”

By Rebecca Davis O’Brien

Reporting from Philadelphia

In a move that could alter the dynamics of the 2024 election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Monday that he would continue his presidential run as an independent candidate , ending his long-shot pursuit of the Democratic nomination against an incumbent president.

Speaking to a crowd of supporters outside the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Mr. Kennedy, a leading vaccine skeptic and purveyor of conspiracy theories, said he represented “a populist movement that defies left-right division.”

“The Democrats are frightened that I’m going to spoil the election for President Biden, and the Republicans are frightened that I’m going to spoil it for Trump,” he said. “The truth is, they’re both right. My intention is to spoil it for both of them.”

Since announcing his candidacy in April, Mr. Kennedy, 69, has been a sharp critic of Democratic leadership, which he has accused of “hijacking the party machinery” to stifle his challenge to Mr. Biden. He has also said, in interviews and in public appearances, that the party has abandoned its principles and become corrupted.

Running as an independent will entail an expensive, uphill battle to get on the ballot in all 50 states. Last week, Cornel West, a liberal academic and presidential candidate, said he would run as an independent , abandoning his efforts to secure the Green Party’s nomination.

In a 45-minute speech on Monday, Mr. Kennedy described encounters across America with people he called the “ranks of the dispossessed,” interspersed with angry barbs about “the surveillance state” and the “tyranny of corruption.” He quoted the Old Testament, John Adams, Martin Luther King Jr., Tennyson and his own father.

But Mr. Kennedy, the scion of a liberal political dynasty, has alienated his own family members and many Democrats with his promotion of conspiracy theories , his rejection of scientific orthodoxies and his embrace of far-right political figures.

“Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment,” four of Mr. Kennedy’s siblings — Rory Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy II and Kathleen Kennedy Townsend — said in a statement on Monday. “We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country.”

Mr. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer, has been lionized by a movement that has expanded beyond anti-vaccine sentiments, including opposition to the mandatory vaccination of children, to push back more broadly against state public health measures. In recent years, his open suspicions about the government’s handling of the coronavirus and his criticism of lockdowns and vaccine policies gave him a new platform and earned him popularity among many Americans who had wearied of the pandemic.

“Our campaign has ignited a movement that has been smoldering for years,” Mr. Kennedy said.

To roars of applause, Mr. Kennedy told his supporters they were “declaring independence” from a lengthy list of perceived adversaries: “Wall Street, Big Tech, Big Pharma”; the “military industrial complex”; “the mercenary media”; “the cynical elites”; both of the major political parties and “the entire rigged system.”

He has built a base of support made up of disaffected voters across the political spectrum , but some Democrats have worried that he poses the biggest threat to their party, fearing that any independent or third-party candidacy could peel off voters from Mr. Biden.

Shortly after Mr. Kennedy entered the race, some polls showed him with up to 20 percent of Democratic support — which was in large part a measure of the desire among some for an alternative to Mr. Biden. Mr. Kennedy’s numbers have sagged in recent months, though his campaign, which dwells as much on nostalgia for his political lineage as it does on skepticism about the scientific and political establishment — continues to appeal to a particular cross-section of skeptical Democrats, political conservatives and independents.

The Republican National Committee, in a reflection of its own concerns about Mr. Kennedy, sent out an email on Monday titled “23 Reasons to Oppose RFK Jr.,” listing ways in which he has been aligned with Democrats in the past, including his record of opposing fossil fuel extraction.

Monday’s event drew supporters from across the political spectrum.

Sean Gleason, a retired state police officer from New Jersey, said he was a registered Republican and a two-time Trump voter who planned to leave the party and vote for Mr. Kennedy. “I’m done with the duopoly,” Mr. Gleason said. He is supporting Mr. Kennedy, he said, because “I think he’s telling the truth, even the truth people don’t really want to hear.”

Michael Schroth, a 69-year-old former teacher from Haverhill, Mass., said he was an undeclared voter who had previously voted for Ralph Nader, Barack Obama and Jill Stein. He has been a fan of Mr. Kennedy’s since he heard him speak two years ago. “He is intelligent,” he said. “He thinks through problems.”

Rebecca Briggs, 60, a health coach and nutritionist from Rhode Island, said she was a registered Democrat and had voted for Mr. Biden in 2020, “because I didn’t want Trump — but I actually didn’t want either of them.” She said she was ready to leave the party with Mr. Kennedy.

“I was afraid to tell people — afraid of the reaction,” she said of supporting him. “I have to move forward with courage.”

Mr. Kennedy has raised two main complaints about the Democratic National Committee, which is supporting Mr. Biden’s re-election effort. First, he said, Mr. Biden and the party pushed to change the first primary state from New Hampshire — where Mr. Kennedy, who has New England roots, enjoys a base of support — to South Carolina, the state that rescued Mr. Biden’s primary campaign in 2020.

Second, the party has refused to arrange for debates between Mr. Biden and Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Biden’s campaign and the D.N.C. have also essentially refused to acknowledge Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy and have avoided saying his name.

Mr. Kennedy had teased Monday’s announcement in a video last week, though his campaign held off on confirming that he was changing parties. But in the hours before he went onstage in Philadelphia, there was a subtle change on Mr. Kennedy’s campaign website. Where it had once read “I am a Kennedy Democrat,” with the family name in italics, it was changed to: “I am a Kennedy American.”

Rebecca Davis O’Brien covers campaign finance and money in U.S. elections. She previously covered federal law enforcement, courts and criminal justice. More about Rebecca Davis O’Brien

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Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in Babygirl (2024)

A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.

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The ANA Care Promise set of health and safety initiatives has been awarded a 5-Star COVID-19 Safety Rating from SKYTRAX, the highest possible rating, and one that only a few airlines worldwide has achieved.

The JAL FlySafe set of health and safety initiatives has been recognised by Skytrax with a 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating, along with a Diamond Certification by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying.

Haneda Airport’s webpage includes information on how to use airport facilities safely and measures to prevent the spread of infection, especially in regards to the 3 Cs: closed spaces, crowded spaces, close-contact settings.

Narita Airport has implemented nine key initiatives to prevent the spread of infection including the installation of transparent barriers, ensuring optimum air ventilation and stringent cleaning practices.

Kansai International Airport has a number initiatives in place to prevent the spread of infection including the use of thermographic cameras, increased cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and social distancing measures.

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Japan has an expansive railway network that is owned and operated by many companies. Japan Railways (JR) is the most well-known thanks to the popular JR Pass and high-speed shinkansen (bullet trains). Its vast and elaborate network can be a bit daunting to navigate at first - it's actually operated by six separate companies: JR Hokkaido, JR East, JR Central, JR West, JR Shikoku, JR Kyushu.

In particular, please note the popular Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen (Tokyo to Hakata) is run by both JR Central and JR West – JR Central operates the section from Tokyo to Osaka, and JR West operates the section from Osaka and Hakata.

JR Hokkaido services the northern island of Hokkaido and also operates the section of the shinkansen route between Shin-Aomori Station on Honshu and Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in southern Hokkaido. Download the ‘Major actions on preventing the spread of novel coronavirus’ PDF from their website for more information.

JR East services eastern Japan including the capital of Tokyo and the north-eastern region of Tohoku. It also operates the Hokuriku Shinkansen which stops at cities such as Nagano, Kanazawa and Niigata.

JR Central services central Japan and operates the Tokaido Shinkansen, a popular route that runs between Tokyo and Osaka travels through major cities such as Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. The ‘COVID-19 Protective Measures’ PDF is available to download from their website.

JR West services western Japan, including well-known cities such as Nara, Osaka, Kyoto, Wakayama, Kobe and Hiroshima. It operates the Sanyo Shinkansen which runs from Shin-Osaka Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka Prefecture on the southern island of Kyushu.

Tobu services the area of Tokyo and surrounds, providing connections to popular destinations such as Nikko, Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree and Kawagoe. Information on the latest measures to prevent the spread of infection is available to download from their website.

Kintetsu Railway services the areas of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Ise-shima (Mie Prefecture) and Nagoya. As part of a number of measures implemented to prevent the spread of infection, Kintestsu has sprayed the interior of its train carriages with an antiviral and antibacterial treatment.

Nankai Electric Railway services southern Osaka Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. It connects the southern hub of Namba to Kansai International Airport, Wakayama and Koyasan. Information on health and safety measures that have been implemented is available to download from their website.

JR-West Hotels have implemented new 'Clean & Safety' hygiene standards, and have received the coveted Trusted Cleanliness Badge, a certificate issued by Trust You, one of the top class platforms in the hotel industry. (JR-West Hotels brands include Hotel Granvia, Hotel Vischio by Granvia, Nara Hotel and Potel.)

Prince Hotels has developed the Prince Safety Commitment, a set of new protocols for hygiene and disinfection to be applied to all the hotels under their brands. These will enable Prince Hotels to provide guests with a safe and clean environment during their stay.

Palace Hotel Tokyo has achieved the GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation and has become Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These accreditations show Palace Hotel Tokyo is committed to implementing best practices and operating as safely as possible.

Imperial Hotel Osaka has received GBAC STAR™ accreditation and is Sharecare Health Security VERIFIED™ with Forbes Travel Guide. These demonstrate the hotel meets international hygiene standards for infectious disease prevention measures and is committed to following best practices to ensure the safety and comfort of its guests.

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Anti-vaccine protesters clash with opponents in Tokyo ｜Arab News Japan
In Japan, anti-vaccine movement threatens to make widespread hesitancy
Japan ramps up campaign to get youth vaccinated against COVID-19
Japan has opened its vaccination program to children aged 5-11
Japan Will Begin Rolling Out Its Vaccine Passport This Summer
How are Japan-made vaccines shaping up?

COMMENTS

Information for U.S. citizens traveling to Japan
Travelers who are unsure of their eligibility to travel to Japan should contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for additional information. Effective as of midnight April 29, 2023 (Japan time), all travelers arriving in Japan will no longer need to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test certificate.
For Travelers
Last updated: Wednesday, May 31st, 2023. Get ready for your dream trip to Japan! Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions! Those who enter Japan on or after April 29th 2023 are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.
FAQ
For Travelers. Information in case of illness or injury. Official announcements from the Government of Japan. Answers to your questions about traveling to Japan and staying safe during COVID-19, including where to get help if you need it.
CDC Travel Notice for Japan
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Japan. Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in Japan. Widespread ongoing transmission means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and ...
Japan Travel Restrictions
Japan is now open to travelers from all countries or regions. Travelers are required to provide either a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (3 doses) of WHO-approved vaccines or a certificate of negative result of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the originating country/region.
Health Alert
For questions regarding the government of Japan's travel restrictions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides contact information in Section Five of this website . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . Assistance: U.S. Embassy Tokyo. Telephone: 03-3224-5000, After-Hours: 03-3224-5000. Email: [email protected].
Latest Japan Entry Requirements
No quarantine, testing or locator forms are required for entrants from the UK, regardless of vaccination status. Earlier this year the U.S. Department of State changed their travel advisory for Japan from a Level 3: "Reconsider Travel" to Level 1: "Exercise Normal Precautions," which was the level Japan before the start of the pandemic.
COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates Valid for Entry into Japan from
COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued in Japan which fall under any of the categories (1)-(3) below, and prove that at least three doses of COVID-19 vaccine are inoculated. ... (The COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for overseas travel) (2) Documents to prove vaccination for COVID-19 issued by a local public authority/municipality in Japan (3 ...
Any restrictions on entering Japan?
Any restrictions on entering Japan? On April 29th, 2023, all border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 were lifted. Those who are entering Japan on or after April 29th, 2023, will not be required to present a Valid Vaccination Certificate or a Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate. For more information, please check the following page.
Japan
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6-11 months, according to CDC's measles vaccination recommendations for international travel. Dogs infected with rabies are not commonly found in Japan.
Japan International Travel Information
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.
COVID-19 Vaccines
By the end of April 2021, roughly 590,000 people in Japan have been diagnosed with COVID-19 infections, of which more than 10,000 people have died. ... For detailed information related to COVID-19 vaccination, please visit the website of the prefectural government of your place of residency. What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines(PDF/ 4 ...
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Those who are entering Japan on or after April 29th, 2023, are not be required to present a Valid Vaccination Certificate or a Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate. ... Visit Japan Web. Visit Japan Web is a convenient way to register information for immigration, customs and Tax-free shopping service before you enter Japan. After the registration ...
Entry requirements
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Japan. Passport validity requirements If you're visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of ...
Health
check the latest vaccine recommendations for Japan; see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page; See what health risks you'll face in Japan ...
Travel advice and advisories for Japan
Japan is a fascinating destination that offers a rich culture, natural beauty and modern attractions. Before you travel, consult the Travel Advice and Advisories from the Government of Canada for Japan to learn about the safety, entry and exit requirements, health, laws and culture, and natural disasters and climate of this country.
Japan Travel Advice & Safety
Japan is prone to earthquakes and tsunamis. Japanese authorities have detailed plans to respond to natural disasters. In an earthquake, follow the advice of local authorities and emergency signage. Move to higher ground immediately if you're in a coastal region after a major earthquake. Check the Disaster Prevention Portal for more information.
Japan summer holidays in full swing amid megaquake caution
Japan's summer holiday season moves into full swing as people heading to their hometowns, crowded railway stations and airports amid caution following the weather agency's advisory over a potential megaquake. ... "It is my first visit to my hometown in five years after a hiatus due to the coronavirus. Now it is an earthquake," Tomohiro Ogawa ...
Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines
These vaccines have U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) emergency use authorization or approval. 2023-2024 Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.. In December 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine two-dose series was found to be both safe and effective in preventing COVID-19 infection in people age 18 and older.
COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
Tourists from all countries or regions can visit Japan on a package tour (including non-guided package tour). Learn about the current situation, checklist for tourists, entry restrictions and safety measures before you travel. ... 2023, are not be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a COVID-19 negative test certificate ...
2024 Paris Olympics medal count: Team USA updates
The U.S. has the largest delegation, with 594 athletes. France closely follows, with 571. American Noah Lyles made an impressive show on the track, winning gold in the men's 100-meter race as ...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions
9. Visit Japan Web. 10. Installation of apps and other requirements upon entry into Japan. All coronavirus-related information on this website is gathered from the government ministries and authorities responsible for handling COVID-19 restrictions and measures. Due to the regularly changing situation and the constant updating of information ...
Japan Needs Foreign Workers. It's Just Not Sure It Wants Them to Stay
"I hear a lot that Japan is a 'unique country,'" Mr. Tsutani said. Ultimately, "there is no need to make it that difficult" for foreigners to stay in Japan, he said. "We want workers."
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Run for President as Independent, Leaving
In a move that could alter the dynamics of the 2024 election, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on Monday that he would continue his presidential run as an independent candidate, ending his long-shot ...
COVID
If you received your vaccine in California, you have the option to request your COVID-19 vaccine record in-person at the Public Health Department Travel/Immunization Clinic located at 976 Lenzen Ave. Suite #1100 San Jose, CA 95126, phone number: (408) 792-5200. You may also request a COVID-19 vaccine card by filling out the following form:
Health Alert
For questions regarding the government of Japan's travel restrictions, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides contact information in Section Five of this website . Follow us on Twitter and Facebook . Assistance: U.S. Embassy Tokyo. Telephone: 03-3224-5000, After-Hours: 03-3224-5000. Email: [email protected].
Vaccines for Japan
What are routine immunizations? The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that visitors to Japan should have all their routine immunizations up to date. Such immunizations include: Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTaP) vaccine Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine Polio vaccine.
Weekend Edition Sunday for August, 4 2024 : NPR
Hear the Weekend Edition Sunday program for Aug 04, 2024
Babygirl (2024)
Babygirl: Directed by Halina Reijn. With Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas, Sophie Wilde. A high-powered CEO puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern.
COVID-19 Health & Safety Information
The Coronavirus travel restrictions page is a travel advisory updated regularly in line with the official information provided by the Government of Japan. COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan is an information page built to help travellers plan a safe trip around Japan. See specific measures taken by Japanese organisations below.

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COVID-19 vaccines have shown substantial effects.

COVID-19 vaccines will not only benefit you but also be an important instrument in reducing the burdens on medical institutions.

The Government recommends that people get vaccinated because the benefits of vaccination are greater than the risk of side reactions.

The Government will continually confirm the safety of the vaccines and provide safety-related information.

There are groups that will receive priority in getting the COVID-19 vaccination. The entire government is working in an all-out manner to expedite vaccinations.

The COVID-19 vaccine will be available free of charge.

The entire government is working in an all-out manner to expedite vaccinations.

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