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Ski Japan

Japan’s latest announcement (23 Sept) eases travel restrictions to Japan.

We can now confirm New Zealand is on the list of 68 countries whose passport holders will have the visa waiver reinstated, meaning that for travel after 11 Oct, travellers holding an Australian or New Zealand passport will no longer need to apply for a visa in advance. This also means that the ERFS certificate will no longer be required. (Until 11 October NZ passport holders will still require a valid visa, for which an ERFS certificate is required.)

At this stage, travellers are still required to either:
Be triple vaccinated and provide a vaccine certificate, OR Have a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before departure.
Minors who are not triple vaccinated (for instance, have not had a booster) may be exempt as long as they are travelling with parents/guardians who are triple vaccinated. Minors travelling unaccompanied OR with parents/guardians who are not triple vaccinated will be required to obtain the negative PCR test result. Please note that Japan has strict requirements for the PCR test result format.

If travelling before the 11th of October, Japan still has strict processes you need to follow. The good news is we can help you navigate these. For more detailed information on this, keep scrolling.

Overview

The good news is we can help you navigate these. Complete the Enquire Now form and we will be in touch.

For existing bookings, we are working through complex issues to deliver a smooth outcome for all our clients. We will be working with Japanese Registered Tour Agencies to lodge an ERFS application on your behalf. Details to follow in the next couple of weeks.

Guidelines for Non-Escorted (self-guided) Package Tours

1. Pre-departure PCR tests for triple-vaccinated travellers from Australia and New Zealand are no longer required.

2. Tourists entering on package tours, including non-guided package tours, from all countries/regions are accepted. These package tours, both guided and non-guided, must be organised by a travel agent.

* Non-guided package tour has been defined as: flights and land arrangements booked through a travel agent. Land arrangements must be organised through a Japan-based land operator. Flights may not be booked by the traveller themselves.

* For all tourists, a visa is still required to visit Japan. To apply for the visa, tourists will require an ERFS certificate issued by a receiving organisation in Japan (see below).

Note: This is the latest information to date and is all subject to change.

The Basics

The basics: What you need to know/do about booking a Japan holiday:

You must book through a travel agency who can arrange the packages which includes accommodation and return flights. You will not be able to purchase these components with the properties/airlines directly.
The pre-arrival C-19 test has been dropped for those who have been triple vaccinated.
If you are not triple vaccinated, you will require a negative PCR test result within 72 hours before your flight to Japan.
ERFS Application must be made by us with a Japan based agent no earlier than 90 days prior to your arrival in Japan.
Non-refundable fees (approx. NZD$410 per person) apply for the ERFS Application, Tour Itinerary Documentation & Covid Management .
You will have to get a visa from a Japanese Consulate in your home country. This is an additional cost and can only be applied for once you have received your ERFS certificate.
Compulsory medical insurance will be included in the package, covering COVID-19 and other illness related issues while you are in Japan. We still recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance for all other aspects of your trip.
Smart phones: You will need a smart phone (or one in your group) and you must notify us once you have arrived in Japan – enabling contact with you at any stage of your Japan trip.
All travel&co. and land operator terms and conditions will apply.

Book a Package Ski Holiday

Talk to us about booking your Japan ski holiday. You must book through a travel agency who can arrange the packages which includes accommodation and return flights.

For all customers travelling to Japan the package must be booked through a travel agency who can arrange the package which includes accommodation and return international flights.

Apply for a Visa

1) We can obtain the certificate for registration to ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) from the receiving organization in Japan which your travel agency work with.

2) Apply for a visa at Embassies/Consulates with the ERFS certificate received above through your travel agency or by yourself.