{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1711366151,"date":"2024-03-25 07:29:11"}},"data":{"country-iso":"JP","advisory-state":0,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"Editorial change","eng":{"name":"Japan","url-slug":"japan","geo-group":"Asia","flag":null,"friendly-date":"March 25, 2024 07:20 EDT","advisory-text":"Exercise normal security precautions","recent-updates":"The Need help? section was updated.","advisories":"
Take normal security precautions<\/a> in Japan.<\/p><\/div>","security":" 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.<\/p> Follow the instructions of local authorities.<\/p> Assistance of Residents Affected by the Nuclear Incidents<\/a> – Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry<\/p> 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.<\/p> Cabinet Secretariat Civil Protection Portal<\/a><\/p> 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:<\/p> 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.<\/p> An increasing number of travellers report having been used as unwitting drug couriers.<\/p> Penalties for drug-related criminal activities are severe. Even unsuspecting individuals transporting packages containing narcotics can be criminally charged and face long jail sentences.<\/p> Be wary of individuals, even those you know, who ask you to carry a package to Japan on their behalf.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. There have been incidents of overcharging at bars and clubs. Disputes over overcharging have led to violence.<\/p> Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:<\/p> Overseas fraud<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> Advice for women travellers<\/a><\/p> Road conditions and road safety are generally good throughout the country. However, roads may be narrow.<\/p> Japan Road Traffic Information Center<\/a> (in Japanese)<\/p> Taxis are generally safe.<\/p> Taxis in Japan<\/a> – Japan National Tourism Organization<\/p> 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.<\/p> Emergency information and advice for tourists is available from the Japan National Tourism Organization<\/a>.<\/p> We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.<\/p> Information about foreign domestic airlines<\/a><\/p>","entry-exit":" 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.<\/p> We have obtained the information on this page from the Japanese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.<\/p> Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada<\/a>.<\/p> Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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. <\/span><\/span><\/p> Different entry rules may apply.<\/p> Official travel<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.<\/p> Tourist visa: not required for stays up to a maximum of 90 days You can’t apply for a business, work or student visa if you have already entered Japan as a tourist.<\/p> Business travellers need a visa if they are to receive compensation in addition to their regular salary for work carried out while in Japan.<\/p> Overstaying the 90-day, tourist visa-free limit or any other visa time limit is a criminal offence. If you overstay, you may be subject to fines and deportation, and you may be barred from re-entry to Japan.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Japanese officials will photograph and fingerprint visitors upon arrival. Exceptions may apply.<\/span><\/p> <\/span>Immigration Services Agency of Japan<\/span> <\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p> Japanese regulations require that visiting foreigners give detailed information when checking in at hotels or other lodging facilities.<\/p> Foreigners must also allow their passports to be photocopied.<\/p> Learn more about travelling with children<\/a>.<\/p> Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever <\/a>(vaccines section).<\/p>","health":" 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.<\/p> Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> Be sure that your routine vaccinations<\/a>, as per your province or territory<\/a>, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.<\/p>\n Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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. <\/p> Yellow fever<\/a> is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p>\n Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>\n Risk<\/strong><\/p>\n Country Entry Requirement*<\/strong><\/p>\n Recommendation<\/strong><\/p>\n * It is important to note that country entry requirements<\/a> may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office<\/a> of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.<\/p>\n About Yellow Fever<\/a><\/p>\n Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada<\/a><\/p><\/details> Tick-borne encephalitis<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from tick bites<\/a>. The vaccine is not available in Canada. It may be available in the destination you are travelling to.<\/p><\/details> Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/p>\n Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.<\/p>\n Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.<\/p><\/details> Japanese encephalitis<\/a> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n Travellers are at higher risk if they will be:<\/span><\/p>\n Hepatitis B<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B<\/a> 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.<\/p><\/details> Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) <\/a><\/span>is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.<\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p>\n 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. <\/span><\/p><\/details> The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza<\/a> (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot<\/a> at least 2 weeks before travelling. <\/p>\n The flu occurs worldwide. <\/p>\n The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p><\/details> In this destination, rabies<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who will be working directly with wildlife. <\/p><\/details> 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.<\/p>\n <\/p> Typhoid<\/a> <\/span>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.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p><\/details> 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:<\/p>\n 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<\/a> page.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p> There is a risk of chikungunya in this country. The risk may vary between regions of a country. Chikungunya<\/a> is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.<\/p>\n Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.<\/p><\/details> Some infections, such as rabies<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.<\/p>\n <\/p> Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette<\/a>, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu<\/a> and other illnesses by:<\/p>\n Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)<\/a>, HIV<\/a>, 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<\/a> pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine. <\/p> Health care is very good. Service is available throughout the country.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.<\/p> Travel health and safety<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> If you need to consult medical professionals, the following organizations can refer you to medical facilities with English and other foreign language-speaking staff: <\/p> The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.<\/p>\n Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a <\/span>travel health kit<\/a>, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.<\/p>","laws-culture":" You must abide by local laws.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Drugs, alcohol and travel<\/a><\/p> Certain medications are banned in Japan, including:<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Bringing medicines for personal use into Japan<\/a> – Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare<\/p> Japanese law doesn't prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is not widely socially accepted.<\/span><\/p><\/p> Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics<\/a><\/p> Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Japan.<\/p> 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.<\/p> Travellers with dual citizenship<\/a><\/p> 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.<\/p> Japanese family law is different from Canadian family law.<\/p> 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.<\/p> If you are involved in a custody or other family law dispute in Japan, consult a Japanese family lawyer.<\/p> 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.<\/p> 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.<\/p> If you are in this situation:<\/p> If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.<\/p> Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.<\/p> You must carry your passport or residence card at all times.<\/p> A photocopy will not satisfy authorities. Police officers in Japan may ask for your identification documents at any time.<\/p> If you fail to do so, you could face arrest or detention.<\/p> Working without an appropriate visa is illegal. Offenders may be subject to imprisonment, a fine and deportation.<\/p> If you are considering employment offers in Japan, contact the Japanese embassy or consulate nearest you before coming to Japan.<\/p> Foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada<\/a><\/p> You should carefully review a contract to teach English before you sign. There have been incidents of employers not adhering to their contractual obligations. <\/p> Ensure that all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated in the contract and that you meet all requirements before accepting an offer. <\/p> More on teaching English in Japan<\/a><\/p> You may be denied entry to public establishments such as swimming pools, hot springs, beaches and some gyms if you have a tattoo.<\/p> Some establishments may ask that you cover your tattoo.<\/p> Traffic drives on the left.<\/p> You must carry an international driving permit along with your Canadian licence, or a Japanese driver’s licence.<\/p>Fukushima nuclear power plant and surrounding area<\/h3>
Tensions on Korean Peninsula<\/h3>
Crime<\/h3>
Drug trafficking<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Spiked food and drinks<\/h3>
Fraud<\/h3>
Women's safety<\/h3>
Road safety<\/h3>
Public transportation<\/h3>
Taxis<\/h4>
Train and subway<\/h4>
General safety information<\/h3>
Air travel<\/h3>
Passport<\/h3>
Regular Canadian passport<\/h4>
Passport for official travel<\/h4>
Passport with “X” gender identifier<\/h4>
Other travel documents<\/h4>
Useful links<\/h4>
Visas<\/h3>
Business visa: required
Work visa: required
Student visa: required <\/p>Other entry requirements<\/h3>
Biometrics<\/h3>
Registration<\/h3>
Children and travel<\/h3>
Yellow fever<\/h3>
Relevant Travel Health Notices<\/h3>
Routine vaccines<\/h3>\n
Pre-travel vaccines and medications<\/h3>\n
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements <\/summary>
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Tick-borne encephalitis<\/summary>
Measles <\/summary>
Japanese encephalitis<\/summary>
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Hepatitis B<\/summary>
COVID-19<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
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Rabies <\/summary>
Safe food and water precautions<\/h3>\n
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Typhoid <\/summary>
Insect bite prevention<\/h3>\n
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Chikungunya<\/summary>
Dengue <\/summary>
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Animal precautions<\/h3>\n
Person-to-person infections<\/h3>\n
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Medical services and facilities<\/h3>
Health insurance for foreign workers<\/h3>
Keep in Mind...<\/h3>\n
Drugs<\/h3>
Medications<\/h3>
2SLGBTQI+ travellers<\/h3>
Dual citizenship<\/h3>
Family Law<\/h3>
International Child Abduction<\/h3>
Useful links<\/h4>
Identification<\/h3>
Working in Japan<\/h3>
Teaching English<\/h4>
Tattoos<\/h3>
Driving<\/h3>