Ruth Haines
During the COVID-19 pandemic, transit through Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND) has been possible without entering Japan. Travellers with a single ticket and no overnight layover can remain in the international transit area without a visa or COVID-19 test. However, they must have the necessary documents for their next destination. Travellers with separate tickets for sequential flights must enter Japan, requiring a visa and possibly a COVID-19 test.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID test required for transit through Tokyo Airport | No, but check with your airline to see if tests are required to board |
| Documents required for transit through Tokyo Airport | Boarding pass and COVID test results meeting the requirements of your destination country |
| Transit visa required for Tokyo Airport | No, unless you are a North Korean citizen or don't have a valid re-entry permit |
| Can I leave the airport during transit? | No, you cannot enter Japan during transit |
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What You'll Learn
Testing requirements for transit passengers
As of January 2022, travellers transiting through Japan en route to onward international destinations may do so without quarantine, as long as the transit occurs within the same airport and no overnight stay is required. Travellers are still subject to the travel/entry restrictions and requirements of their final destination.
According to one source, if you are transiting through Tokyo Narita Airport and not entering Japan, you do not need to take a COVID test. However, another source mentions that India mandates a test even for passengers in transit through Japan to India. Therefore, it is important to check the requirements of your final destination.
For travellers entering Japan, a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of flight departure is required. These tests must be presented in the prescribed format and must comply with very strict requirements. Failure to do so may result in denied entry to Japan. Travellers arriving from certain areas may be required to quarantine in a government-designated location.
As of January 2022, Japan has barred entry to all non-resident foreigners due to COVID-19. Japan's entry requirements and quarantine restrictions do not take travellers' vaccination status into account.
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Transit visas
If you are transiting through Tokyo's Narita Airport and do not need to enter Japan, you do not need a transit visa. However, if you are required to pass through customs and immigration during your layover, you will likely need a transit visa.
A transit visa is a permit that allows travellers to stay within the airport premises of a country while waiting for their connecting flight. It is important to note that a transit visa is only valid for a few days and cannot be used for multiple entries or business-related activities. It is meant for tourism, resting, and sightseeing purposes only.
To obtain a transit visa for Japan, you can apply online or upon arrival. The Japan Shore Pass is a type of transit visa that can be processed by the airline upon arrival, but it is recommended to contact them before boarding to avoid any delays. To be eligible for a transit visa, you must possess the necessary travel documents for your final destination and have sufficient finances to cover your stay in Japan until your connecting flight.
It is important to note that the requirements for a transit visa may vary depending on your nationality and the specific regulations of the airport and country you are transiting through. Therefore, it is always advisable to check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Lounge access
At Haneda Airport, passengers with long layovers were denied access to the ANA Suites Lounge until the day of their departing flight. This lounge is normally reserved for first-class passengers. The First Cabin Haneda and the Royal Park Hotel, an airside transit hotel, were also closed to transit passengers due to the pandemic. Haneda Airport is open 24 hours, allowing passengers with long layovers to remain in the terminal.
At Narita Airport, passengers with long layovers may be able to access the airport lounges, but they are not permitted to stay overnight. Narita Airport is not open 24 hours, so passengers with layovers that extend past midnight will need to enter Japan. During the pandemic, Japan has barred entry to all non-resident foreigners, making it difficult for those with long layovers to find accommodation outside the airport.
To access airport lounges, passengers may need a Priority Pass card issued by Chase, which allows the cardholder and two guests to enter. It is important to note that lounge access policies can vary depending on the lounge and the airport, and it is recommended to check the latest information before travelling.
While lounge access can provide a more comfortable waiting area, those with long layovers in Tokyo's airports during the COVID-19 pandemic have had to resort to sleeping on benches or finding other creative solutions, as they are not permitted to enter Japan and must remain on the sterile side of the airport.
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Immigration procedures
If you are transiting through Tokyo's Narita Airport and do not need to enter Japan, you do not need to complete any documents or download any apps. However, you will need to stay airside at the airport, and you will not be allowed to enter the country or stay overnight. Make sure to bring enough entertainment to keep yourself occupied during your layover.
For immigration procedures, you will need to present your boarding pass and ensure you meet the COVID-19 testing requirements of your final destination. It is recommended that you check with your airline to see if any specific tests are required for boarding. If you are transiting through another country, such as Vietnam, you will need to meet their specific COVID-19 requirements, such as an antigen test taken within 24 hours before departure.
If you are transiting through Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), the procedures are similar. You will not be allowed to enter Japan, and you will need to stay within the airport during your layover. If you are an Australian passport holder or have an Australian visa, you will not need a transit visa for Tokyo HND. However, for other nationalities, a transit visa may be required, especially if you plan to enter Japan during your layover.
It is important to note that Japan has specific entry procedures under COVID-19 restrictions. All foreign nationals, except those with a valid re-entry permit, are required to obtain a visa. Transit visas are available for those proceeding through Japan to another country, but activities are limited to sightseeing, leisure, and rest. A valid passport, completed visa application form, photograph, and flight itinerary are required for the visa application process. Additionally, pre-registering for airport quarantine procedures through the "MySOS" application can help reduce your time at the airport.
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Boarding requirements
If you are transiting through Tokyo's Narita Airport (NRT), you will not need to complete any documents or download any apps. However, you will need a valid boarding pass for your next flight. It is important to note that you must stay airside at the airport, and overnight transit is not allowed. Ensure that your layover is during the day and that you have enough time to make your connecting flight.
For COVID-19 requirements, no testing is required if you are only transiting through Narita Airport. However, you should check with your airline to see if specific tests or vaccinations are required for boarding. Additionally, make sure you meet the COVID-19 requirements of your final destination.
If you are transiting through Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND), the requirements are similar. Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket to a third country within 72 hours can transit without a visa. However, they must remain in the international transit area of the airport and have the necessary documents for their next destination.
It is important to note that Japan has COVID-19 entry restrictions, and only permanent residents or those with a valid re-entry permit are exempt from obtaining a visa. These restrictions may change frequently, so it is essential to check the latest updates before your travel date.
In addition to the above, some general recommendations for transiting through Tokyo's airports include:
- Ensure your luggage is checked through to your final destination, especially if you have a tight connection.
- Allow enough time for security checks and potential delays.
- Be prepared for extended layovers by bringing entertainment and essential items.
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Frequently asked questions
If you are a foreign national and your layover is under 72 hours, you do not need a visa as long as you stay in the international transit area of the airport. If your layover is longer than 72 hours, you will need to apply for a visa.
No, you do not need to download any apps for your transit. However, you may need to fill out paperwork for customs.
No testing is required if you are only transiting. However, you may need a negative COVID test to board your next flight, so check with your airline.
No, you cannot leave the airport during your layover. You must stay in the international transit area of the airport.
