Japan

Översikt

As a highly developed country with a stable economy, Japan’s security risks in most of the assessment areas remain low. The most significant threat in Japan stems from environmental disasters and extreme weather. Japan is vulnerable to further major earthquakes and severe climactic events, including typhoons and cyclones. The typhoon season typically runs from June to December. Due to the geographical location of Japan there is a persistent risk of earthquakes. The 11 March 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused mass immediate devastation and a radiation crisis around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Japan. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza.

Japanese Encephalitis is endemic in West Japan, peak transmission occurs from August to September. Vaccine is not routinely recommended for travel limited to Tokyo or other major cities.

Tap water is safe to drink in Japan.

Medical facilities in Japan are excellent with highly trained staff. However, the cost of treatment is expensive. It is advisable to acquire a comprehensive travel health insurance before travel. It is possible to find English-speaking doctors.

Some medications are prohibited in Japan and visitors who plan on taking prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to Japan should contact the Japanese Embassy in their home country before departure to ensure that the medications are allowed in Japan. A one-month supply of prescription medication or a two-month supply of non-prescription medication is allowed for entry providing the medication is permissible in Japan. Visitors must be able to provide full details of prescription medication. There is a firmly enforced anti-stimulant drugs law, banning the use of narcotics in Japan.

Pass

Passports are required for entry into Japan and must be valid for the intended period of stay. 

Visum

Citizens of over 60 countries currently have a visa exemption arrangement with Japan and are exempt from visa requirements for tourist and business visits (excluding profit-making and paid activities) of less than three months. This visa exemption arrangement includes citizens of UK, USA, EU countries, Australia, Canada and South Korea. Japan has a zero-tolerance policy on overstaying. Travellers who overstayed will be deported and future visits to Japan can be difficult. Visitors must be travelling on a passport that is valid for the intended period of stay in Japan.

On arrival, visitors must be able to show supporting documents that confirm the purpose of visit, such as a fixed-date, confirmed return or onward journey ticket, details of business meetings, and details of business partners in Japan. Visitors must also be able to show evidence of sufficient funds for the intended period of stay on request.

Most foreign visitors to Japan will be biometrically registered on arrival through fingerprints and photographs.

Tourist Visa: Exempt for visit under 3 months
Business Visa: Exempt for visit under 3 months for non-profit-making and unpaid activities
Student Visa: Required