Hello, this is Matsui of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Today, I received my 2nd COVID-19 vaccination. Fortunately, I am relieved to say that my arm just hurts a little and I don’t have any fever for now. I was very lucky to be able to get a hold of my family doctor, but especially in the Tokyo area, there are many people who cannot get the shots even if they desired to. I hope all those who wish could be vaccinated, whoever/whenever/wherever they want, like the U.S.
Which countries need a vaccine passport?
Many countries are already requiring or planning to require vaccination certificates in order to enter. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the present, regions where the vaccination certificate can be used are Italy, Australia, Sri Lanka, Thailand (Only islands such as Phuket), Germany, Turkey, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, South Korea, etc.
※ https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/covid19/certificationlist.html (Japanese site)
The U.S. is planning to require almost all foreign visitors to be fully vaccinated.
In Vietnam, the isolation period of fully vaccinated visitors will be shortened to half (7 days).
※ https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58095549 (Japanese site)
Current measures for entering Japan
For entering Japan, there are no special measures for fully vaccinated Japanese or foreign nationals at the moment. Even if you are fully vaccinated, you cannot use public transportation and have to stay home for 14 days.
However, in Japan, if you are fully vaccinated and plan to travel overseas, you can apply for a vaccination certificate (vaccination passport).
※ https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/vaccine_certificate.html (Japanese site)
Applications are done in municipalities. For example, in the Minato ward of Tokyo, you can apply by mail or online for free with the following documents below;
- Application form
- Copy of passport
- Copy of vaccination record
- Envelope for reply
- Copy of Driver’s License, etc. (for confirming the return address)
Right now, in the Minato ward, it takes about a week to be issued.
I believe the vaccination certificate can likely be obtained in the same way in other municipalities as well. The political measures of each country change frequently, so if you have the possibility of traveling abroad, you should get hold of a vaccination certificate beforehand, just in case.
The vaccine does not have a 100% effect in preventing the infection, but I am wishing it will change the world back to prior COVID-19 days, where people can live in peace, and the flow of human traffic returns.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
