A COVID-19 PCR test is required at an approved medical facility. Having a negative test result certificate that is obtained within 72 hours of your scheduled departure time is required for entry into Japan. Note that the 72-hour window is counted from the time your sample is taken, not from the time you receive your results. Anyone entering, re-entering or returning to Japan currently (and that includes Japanese nationals) are being asked to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result with a certificate showing a negative result from a test done within 72 hours of departure from their origin.
After March 19 any travelers (including Japanese nationals) who don’t choose to submit a negative COVID test result certificate won’t be allowed into Japan, per the Quarantine Act guidelines. If you don’t have this certificate, airline companies won’t allow you to board. In cases where it’s very difficult to obtain a negative test result certificate, consult with the Consulate Generals, Embassies, or Consular offices of Japan.
Make sure you bring a printed out copy of your certificate to hand in to authorities upon arriving in Japan. A smart phone with the ability to show location information and to download certain apps to use during your self-quarantine period in Japan is needed. If you don’t own a smartphone, it is possible to arrange a rental for one upon arriving at the airport.
