Editor’s Note
This article provides essential pre-departure guidance for UK travelers, including the latest update that Japan has ended all COVID-19 border measures as of 2025. Always verify entry requirements with official sources before traveling.
As of 2025, border measures related to COVID-19 have ended. Previously, proof of three valid vaccine doses or a negative test certificate within 72 hours before departure was required, but this is no longer necessary. A “Genomic Surveillance for Infectious Diseases” program has now been implemented to monitor the influx of new infectious diseases even under normal circumstances.
No PCR test is required before departure from Japan.
● Overseas Travel Insurance [Recommended]
● Registration for “Tabi-Regi” [Recommended]: A free overseas safety information service from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
● Information Registration for Visit Japan Web Service [Recommended]: A service to complete “Immigration Inspection” and “Customs Declaration” procedures online.
● Luggage Precautions: Check airline websites for details. Items like fireworks, gas canisters, certain heated foods, spray cans, and some cordless hair irons are prohibited in carry-on luggage. Lithium-ion batteries in portable electronic devices are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage but must be protected.
● Items for Checked Luggage (Not Allowed in Cabin): Knives, scissors, pointed objects, tools, etc. Liquids have quantity limits for carry-on.
● Items for Carry-On Luggage (Not for Check-in): Lithium-ion batteries (e.g., power banks, spare batteries up to 100-160Wh, max 2 per person) must be carried in the cabin. Also includes wireless earbuds, e-cigarettes, smoking lighters (max 1 per person).
As of September 2025, Japanese nationals do not need to submit proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test upon entry to the UK, regardless of vaccination status. There are no post-entry PCR tests or quarantine periods.
● Passport: Entry is permitted if valid until the return date. For stays under 6 months for tourism, a visa is not required for Japanese passport holders, but an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is necessary.
● Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA): Required for visa-exempt nationals entering the UK for stays up to 6 months for tourism. Also needed for transit. One application per person, including children. Apply via the UK ETA app or online (£16 fee). Requires passport, email, applicant photo. Usually approved within 3 business days. Valid for 2 years or until passport expiry. Must be re-obtained if passport is renewed.
● Passport
● Registration for Immigration Inspection/Customs Declaration upon Return (via Visit Japan Web) [Recommended]: Generates a QR code for use at electronic declaration terminals at customs.
1. Immigration: Follow “Arrival” signs. Japanese citizens can use e-gates (for ages 10+, 10-17 require guardian).
2. Baggage Claim: Collect checked luggage at the carousel with your flight number.
3. Customs: Use the “Nothing to Declare” (green) gate if within duty-free allowances; otherwise, use the “Goods to Declare” (red) counter.
Main Duty-Free Allowances (for entry to UK excluding Northern Ireland):
● Alcohol: 42L beer, 18L wine (non-sparkling), plus 4L spirits over 22% ABV OR 9L alcoholic beverages ≤22% ABV (sparkling wine, fortified wine, cider). Mixing allowances is possible.
● Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, OR 100 cigarillos, OR 50 cigars, OR 250g tobacco, OR 200 sticks for heated tobacco devices. Mixing allowances is possible.
● Other goods: Total value up to £390 (£270 for private jet/sea travel).
*No alcohol/tobacco allowance for under 17s.
Declarable Items:
● Cash: Carrying £10,000 or equivalent (or €10,000 in Northern Ireland) requires declaration.
● Goods for sale.
Main Prohibited/Restricted Items:
Illegal drugs, weapons, endangered species, rough diamonds, obscene material, meat/dairy products, IP-infringing goods (pirated CDs/DVDs, counterfeit brands).
1. Check-in: Arrive at airport at least 3 hours before departure. Get boarding pass and check luggage.
2. Exit Inspection: Passport check at exit counter (may be unmanned).
3. Security Check: Before/after departure gate.
4. Boarding: Check gate on boarding pass/screens. Be at gate 30 minutes before departure.
Duty-free allowances exist for international travelers. Electronic declaration via “Visit Japan Web” is recommended.
Main Duty-Free Allowances:
● Alcohol: 3 bottles (760ml each). No allowance under 20.
● Tobacco: 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars. For heated tobacco only: 10 units (or 200 sticks for iQOS/glo, 50 for wiz). Other combinations must not exceed 250g total. No allowance under 20.
● Perfume: 2 ounces (approx. 56ml, excluding eau de cologne/toilette).
● Other: All items with total overseas market value ≤¥10,000 per item (plus other items up to ¥200,000 total).
Import Prohibitions: Narcotics, firearms, explosives, counterfeit currency, obscene material, counterfeit brands.
Import Restrictions: CITES-listed items (live plants/animals, derivatives like traditional medicines, fur rugs, crocodile/snake leather, ivory, taxidermy).