Entry Requirements from Japan to Middle East and African countries – February 17th 2022 Updated

This is an article for people living in Japan that summarizes the latest updates in COVID-related entry rules of worldwide countries. Please note that the rules in this article ONLY apply to the passengers departing FROM JAPAN who had been in no other countries within the last 14 days before departure.

For passengers that do not fly direct, but make a stopover in one or more countries be sure to check not only your final destination but also the countries your flight will be transiting to see if they have any entry requirements for those transit passengers. For example, if you fly from Japan to Australia directly, then the pre-departure PCR test must be taken within 72 hours. But if your flight to Australia by transiting at Singapore, then the PCR test must be taken within 48 hours!

Also, some airlines may set their own rules (e.g. Etihad required the certificate 48 hours before landing for unvaccinated people).

We try our best to deliver the most up-to-date information in this article, but depending on the spread of new variants of COVID and the status of infection in each region, governments in the world frequently and suddenly make changes with very short notice. So we recommend you double-check with your embassy, airline, or government web page for valid entry requirements at your departure date and time.

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Clinic Nearme (Located in Tokyo and Osaka)

Our affiliated clinic Clinic Nearme offers the COVID-19 PCR test and the negative certificate next day for 22,000 JPY (if you tested negative of course). You can also have the certificate the same day for an extra 3,300 yen (the total would be 25,300 JPY).

■Abu Dhabi

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR swab test within 48 hours before direct flight to Abu Dhabi, UAE. Must be in printed format.
Last Updated 2022-01-16

■Angola

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR Test within 72 hours before departure for all travelers including children and infants. Negative certificate in printed format. Bring your vaccination certificate, for vaccinated people tested negative on arrival airport test are exempt from quarantine requirements.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Bahrain

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Effective from 4 Feb 2022, No need to present a PCR certificate before boarding regardless of vaccination status. Instead, all arrivals of 6 and above must take a PCR test upon arrival. Unvaccinated arrivals of 12 and above must quarantine regardless of the arrival test result. Present a valid proof of full vaccination/recent recovery to be exempted from quarantine. Passengers traveling to Bahrain from Japan can be accepted with vaccination certificates without a QR code issued in Japan. *Please confirm the valid certificate requirements to be recognized as fully vaccinated/recovered before traveling.
Last Updated 2022-02-07

■Botswana

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Effective from 14 Feb, either of the following is needed. A valid certificate of full vaccination OR PCR Test within 72 hours before arrival (children under 5 are exempted).
Last Updated 2022-02-15

■Cameroon

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR Test within 72 hours before departure for travelers aged 5 and above. However, some airlines request PCR test from 2 and above, so check with your airlines. PCR negative certificate should be in PDF format, clearly stating the date of the test and the type of test (which should be PCR). Electronic copies are accepted.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Congo (Democratic Republic)
Congo-Kinshasa

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before arrival (children under 11 are exempted) and/or a valid vaccination certificate. *If DRC has not yet confirmed that it will accept your proof of COVID-19 recovery or vaccination record, please follow the entry rules for unvaccinated people (pre-departure PCR test).
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Congo (Republic)
Congo-Brazzaville

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before arrival (children under 11 are exempted) and vaccination certificate.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Côte d’Ivoire

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR Test within 48 hours before arrival (children under 12 are exempted). Present your negative PCR test certificate with the Health Declaration Form upon arrival, both in printed format.
Last Updated 2022-02-12

■Cyprus

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Until Feb 28, 2022, all passengers of 12 yrs and over need PCR test within 72 hours before departure or Antigen test 24 hours before departure, regardless of vaccination/infection history, and will undergo a PCR test upon arrival. Further rapid antigen test after 72 hours from the date of arrival may be exempted with a proof of booster vaccination.
Last Updated 2022-02-07

■Dubai

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR swab test within 72 hours before direct flight to Dubai, NOT from Japan IF transiting. (Etihad/Emirates airlines passengers, please check with your airline because they may request 48 hours.) Must be in printed format.Traveling from Japan can be accepted with a certificate without a QR code.
Last Updated 2022-02-12

■Egypt

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Fully vaccinated: no pre-departure test (vaccine certificate must have a QR code or a stamp of the issuing laboratory). All others including Egyptian nationals: PCR/Rapid Antigen swab test within 72 hours before arrival (children below 12 are exempted). Must be printed original format with official seal that can be used instead of QR code. *Some airlines are imposing special requirements, check with your airlines before your travel.
Last Updated 2022-02-12

■Ethiopia

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
RT-PCR Test within 120 hours before arrival regardless of vaccination status (transit passengers and children aged 10 yrs and under are exempted). Bring your vaccination or recent recovery proof to be exempted from quarantine.
Last Updated 2022-02-07

■Gambia

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before arrival IF NO proof of fully vaccination is available. Arriving passengers from Japan must take arrival COVID test in your arrival airport in Gambia. (Children under 2 are exempted from pre-travel PCR tests, however, need to take arrival COVID tests in Gambia.)
Last Updated 2022-02-17

■Ghana

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
All travelers of 18 yrs and over must be fully vaccinated (nationals/residents of Ghana can enter even if unvaccinated, but are subject to get vaccinated upon arrival). PCR test within 72 hours before departure (children below 5 are exempted) at one of the arrpoved listed provider. (T Care Clinic negative certificates had been accepted so far with no problems.) Bring the printed format certificate.
Last Updated 2022-01-29

■Guinea

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Guinea: PCR Test within 72 hours before departure needed for 6 and above. All travelers of 18 and over must be fully vaccinated, as well.

Guinea Bissau: PCR Test within 48 hours before arrival. All travelers must be fully vaccinated.

Equatorial Guinea: PCR Test within 72 hours before arrival. All travelers must be fully vaccinated.
Last Updated 2022-02-15

■Iran

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Iranian nationals: PCR test within 72 hours before departure, regardless of their vaccination status (children under 12 are exempted) Non‑Iranian nationals: PCR test within 72 hours before departure AND must be fully vaccinated *Transiting in certain countries affects your COVID test valid hours, please check with your airlines.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Iraq

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours (48 hours to Kurdistan Region) before departure (children under 10 are exempted) AND a valid proof of full vaccination with QR code. Certificates in printed paper format. ATTENTION! Your PCR test certificate valid hours may be shorter depending on your arrival area or transiting country. Please check with your airline.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Israel　

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Non-Israeli citizens/valid VISA holders must be fully vaccinated. PCR swab test within 72 hours before departure, rapid antigen test within 24 hours before departure, or a valid recent recovery certificate is needed to all people of all ages arriving in Israel, including those vaccinated.
Last Updated 2022-02-17

■Jordan

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Passengers entering/transiting in Jordan must have a negative PCR test result performed within 72 hours before departure (children under 5 are exempted). Proof of health insurance is also mandatory for non-Jordanians, except for Medical Tourism Patients.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Kenya

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
All travelers of 18 and over must be fully vaccinated. And PCR Test within 72 hours before departure for all travelers entering and transiting (children younger than 5 are exempted). BOTH certificates MUST BE UPLOADED into Global Haven before boarding, and should not be verified in paper format.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Kuwait

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR swab test within 72 hours before arrival (children under 6 are exempted). You must be fully vaccinated (age 16 and over) or Kuwait national/citizens. Effective 2 Jan 2022, Kuwait announced that they do not consider individuals as being fully vaccinated if more than 9 months had passed since their 2nd vaccination without a 3rd booster dose. ATTENTION! From 20 Feb, following new rules apply: Fully vaccinated: no pre-departure test + no quarantine Vaccination incompleted/expired: no pre-departure test + must quarantine Unvaccinated: PCR swab test within 72 hours before departure + must quarantine + additional PCR test on day-7 (children 15 and under are exempted)
Last Updated 2022-02-15

■Lebanon

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Until 14 Feb: PCR test within 48 hours before departure (children under 12 are exempted) regardless of vaccination status. OR People with a proof of fully vaccinated within 6 months can take Rapid Antigen test including QR code within 24 hours before departure. From 15 Feb: Fully vaccinated (within 6 months)= No pre-departure tests needed Not fully vaccinated= PCR test within 48 hours before departure or Rapid Antigen test including QR code within the 24 hours before departure (children under 12 are exempted)
Last Updated 2022-02-08

■Liberia

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR Test within 72 hours before departure regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status. (children under 5 are exempted). All travelers 18 and above must present a proof of full vaccination at arrival.
Last Updated 2022-01-29

■Mali

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
As of 4 Feb, additional testing upon arrival is no longer needed. PCR Test within 72 hours before arrival is still required, regardless of the vaccination status. No information about a possible exemption of children and adolescents from mandatory testing.
Last Updated 2022-02-07

■Mauritius

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Effective from 31 Jan 2022; PCR test 72 hours before departure regardless of vaccination status. Non-Mauritian citizens/residents/occupational permit holders must be covered by COVID-19 health insurance. Present your proof of full vaccination to be exempted from quarantine and PCR tests at arrival airport and day 7 and 14.
Last Updated 2022-02-02

■Mozambique

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
A printed format negative certificate from PCR Test within 72 hours before arrival regardless of vaccination status (children under 5 are exempted). Nationals of Mozambique without the requested pre-departure COVID certificate can enter and tested upon arrival. But contact your airlines regarding transit country’s requirements to verify eligibility to fly.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Nigeria

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 48 hours before departure (children younger than 10 are exempted). Fully vaccinated people may be exempted from self-quarantine.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Oman　

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR swab test within 72 hours before arrival (with flight hours longer than 8 hours, validity changes to 96 hours before arrival). QR code is no longer needed on PCR certificate issued in Japan. Non-Omani nationals of 18 yrs and above must be fully vaccinated.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Qatar

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR swab test within 72 hours before arrival, except for the fully vaccinated Qatar citizens/residents. Children aged 3 yrs and below accompanying fully vaccinated one/both parent/s are exempted, also.
Last Updated 2022-01-16

■Saudi Arabia

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
Effective from 9 Feb, all arrivals, including Saudi citizens (unless they have a valid proof of recently tested positive and fully vaccinated), regardless of the vaccination status, must hold a negative certificate for PCR swab test within 48 hours before departure (children under 8 are exempted). Must register your virus immune condition before traveling (confirm the vaccination requirements to receive IMMUNE status on the Tawakkalna App).
Last Updated 2022-02-11

■Senegal

Test Type: Saliva 〇
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 5 days before arrival (children younger than 2 are exempted). Fully vaccinated people can be also exempted, however, Vaccination Certificate issued in Japan may not be accepted as valid.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■South Africa

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before departure (children under 5 are exempted). You will need a paper copy of a negative PCR test presented to border officials upon arrival. Carrying several paper copies of your test is recommended, as you may need to present it more than once on your journey.
Last Updated 2022-02-02

■Tanzania

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 96 hours before arrival (children of 5 yrs and under are exempted).
Last Updated 2022-01-21

■Tunisia

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
As of Feb 15, fully vaccinated no longer need pre-departure test. All travelers age of 6 and over must have a PCR test within 48 hours before departure or Rapid Antigen test within 24 hours before departure, regardless of vaccination status. Certificates issued by an institution accredited by Japanese government are valid even without QR code. Non-Tunisian-nationals/residents of 18 yrs and above must present a valid vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated Tunisian-nationals/residents of 18 yrs and above must have a confirmed and paid hotel reservation and get tested after arrival.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Turkey

Test Type: Saliva ×
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before arrival, Rapid Antigen within 48 hours before arrival, Vaccination Certificate, or recent Recovery certificate (children younger than 12 are exempted) PDF accepted.
Last Updated 2022-02-13

■Uganda

Test Type: Saliva 〇
Test Type: Swab 〇
Requirements
PCR test within 72 hours before departure regardless of vaccination status (children below 3 are exempted IF they are accompanied by parents holding a negative PCR test certificates). Only aircrew are required to provide proof of vaccination status to avoid a PCR test on arrival.
Last Updated 2022-02-11

From the end of November 2021, many countries change their entry requirements. We are updating those latest requirements in our newsletter.

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