Travel

Malaysians Can Finally Travel to Japan (and Other Quarantine-Free Countries)

Malaysians now can travel to Japan as Japan has lifted its quarantine and test requirements for fully-vaccinated travellers in October 2022.

This article has been updated in June 2023 with the new Japan travel requirements.

With most of the world’s countries starting to relax their travel restrictions and welcome inbound tourists, Japan, one of the strictest countries when it comes to managing border restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, has also started to revive its travel industry just in time for the coming winter and spring season.

In this article, we will answer some of the burning questions you may have relating to Japan travel guidelines after the Government of Japan announced the latest travel information and restrictions on April 29, 2023.

So, can I pack my bags and travel to Japan now?

The short answer is… YES! Although Japan has finally opened for travelers from most countries without needing to apply for a visa, there are still a few restrictions that could stop you from packing your clothes, booking a flight, and buying a travel insurance (safety first always!).

What are the ravel requirements to visit Japan that I should know about?

If you haven’t heard the news, anyone entering Japan on or after April 29, 2023 will no longer be required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a test certificate obtained before to departure. Yippie!

This welcoming news was announced on the Visit Japan website which also mentioned about the removal of the Quarantine Procedure (Fast Track) icon.

A screenshot of notice saying: Anyone entering Japan on or after April 29, 2023 is no longer required to show a valid vaccination certificate or a test certificate obtained before departure. With the above change, the "Quarantine procedure (Fast Track)" icon was removed on April 29 at 00:00 JST.
A notice posted on Visit Japan website to inform Japan's latest travel update which has dropped all Covid-related requirements.

Visa exemption to Japan remained for Malaysians visiting Japan!

Yes, Malaysians do not need a visa to enter Japan for a short-term stay of fewer than 90 days starting from 11th October 2022 onwards. The Japanese Government has also exempted 67 other countries and regions from requiring a visa to visit Japan.

Do I need to be vaccinated to enter Japan?

A notification from the Japanese Border Measures saying: If you enter Japan after midnight Japan time on April 29th, valid vaccination certificate or pre-departure test is not required.
The latest Quarantine procedure announced by the Japanese government.

No, you do not need to be vaccinated and/or not required to provide any vaccination certificate or COVID-19 test certificate to enter Japan after April 29, 2023.

However, to make entering Japan smoother, travelers are required to register at Visit Japan Web, an online service for Immigration, Customs and Tax-free shopping service. You can refer to the website on how to use Visit Japan Web.

Do I have to wear a mask in Japan?

No, you are not required to wear a mask outdoors unless you are in a crowded area. But heads up - most of the people there still wear masks even when they’re outside. So, you may get weird stares from the locals when you walk around without a mask.

However, you are still required to wear masks indoors unless you are more than two meters away from other people. Another heads up – most Japanese also still wear masks indoors no matter the occasion. Consider yourself informed on the social culture of the Japanese people 😉

Like Malaysia, you are required to mask up in Japan when you are on public transport. So, always keep a mask with you when you go out and about.

Should I reserve museums and restaurants in advance?

You are highly advised to make an advance booking to secure your preferred date and time, especially when you want to dine in at popular restaurants or visit places like the museums in big cities or other tourist destinations in Japan during the peak season.

What are the latest attractions and places to visit in Japan?

There is always something for everyone in Japan, whether it’s your first time or you’ve been there many times! If you love culture, you can visit the new Ishikawa Prefectural Library in Kanazawa. The library was opened in early 2022, big enough to house up to 2 million books!

For Super Mario fans, you can fly to Osaka and visit Super Nintendo World which opened during the pandemic. You can also visit the highly anticipated Ghibli Park, which is set to open its doors on 1st November 2022in central Japan’s Aichi region. Be ready to discover all the hidden secrets in the world of Studio Ghibli!

Want to travel to Japan and get rewarded at the same time? We gotchu, fam!

To celebrate our partnership with Malaysia Airlines, from 20th October 2022 until 18th June 2023, Enrich members can earn 1 Enrich Point for every RM1 spent on travel insurance! Generali Travel Insurance offers comprehensive coverage to protect you even before your board a flight to your holiday destination!

Campaign period: 20th October 2022 - 18th June 2023

Start earning your Enrich Points by purchasing your Generali Travel Insurance at this link or via Enrich website. All you need to do is key in your trip details and click for a quotation or simply purchase directly on the website.

What is Enrich and how do I join?

Enrich is an award-winning travel and lifestyle loyalty program of Malaysia Airlines where members get to enjoy exclusive privileges, rewards, and more! Earn Enrich points when you travel not just with Malaysia Airlines but also with its global network and lifestyle partners.

Register as an Enrich member for free today an start enjoying exceptional perks and experiences like access to Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounges, flight tickets, seat upgrades, hotel stays, dining, and more.

Don’t forget to enter the promo code “ENRAXA21” when you register to get special welcome rewards!

Not planning to travel to Japan just yet? Don’t worry. Here are 20 quarantine-free countries Malaysians can visit today!

  1. Thailand
  2. Singapore
  3. Vietnam
  4. Cambodia
  5. Indonesia
  6. The Philippines
  7. Australia
  8. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
  9. South Korea
  10. The Maldives
  11. Nepal
  12. Sri Lanka
  13. Turkey
  14. Egypt
  15. Mauritius
  16. Taiwan
  17. United Kingdom
  18. Switzerland
  19. France
  20. Canada

IMPORTANT: Travel restrictions are subject to change. Please refer to the local government for up-to-date information before planning your trip.