Starting June 23, 2025, Japan has rolled out a new policy requiring pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening for individuals from certain countries planning to stay in Japan for more than three months. This initiative, aimed at curbing the spread of TB, initially targets nationals from the Philippines and Nepal, with plans to include Vietnam (expected in September 2025), Indonesia, Myanmar, and China in the future. For anyone planning an extended stay in Japan, understanding this policy is crucial for a smooth entry process.
Key Highlights of the Policy
- Start Date: June 23, 2025, for the Philippines and Nepal.
- Future Expansion: Vietnam joins in September 2025, with Indonesia, Myanmar, and China to follow.
- Objective: Prevent the spread of TB, a persistent global health challenge.
Who Needs to Comply?
This policy applies to:
- Nationals of the Philippines and Nepal (and soon Vietnam, Indonesia, Myanmar, and China) intending to stay in Japan for over three months.
- “Medium- to long-term residents” (excluding those with re-entry permits).
- Individuals entering under specific categories, such as digital nomads (Notification No. 53) or their spouses and children (Notification No. 54).
Exemptions
You may be exempt if:
- You can prove your current residence is outside the target countries with official documents (e.g., residence permits).
- You’re part of programs like the JET Programme or JICA trainees (temporary exemptions may apply).
Per the Immigration Services Agency, short-term visitors, diplomats, and certain other groups (as outlined in Article 19-3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act) are not subject to this requirement.
What Does the Screening Involve?
Known as the Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS), the process is straightforward:
- Chest X-Ray: Visit a designated panel clinic for a chest X-ray.
- TB Clearance Certificate: Receive a certificate based on your results, valid for 180 days (or 90 days in some cases—check with the clinic).
- Submission: Submit the certificate with your Certificate of Eligibility or visa application. This step became mandatory on June 23, 2025.
Costs
Applicants cover the screening fees, which vary by clinic. For instance, the IOM Manila Health Centre in the Philippines and CIWEC Hospital in Nepal publish their rates online.
Where to Get Screened
As of February 28, 2025, the following clinics are designated for TB screening:
Philippines
- IOM Manila Health Centre
- Nationwide Health Systems Aux, Inc.
- St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic
- Nationwide Health Systems Baguio, Inc.
- Nationwide Health Systems Davao, Inc.
- Nationwide Health Systems Cebu, Inc.
Nepal
- CIWEC Hospital Pvt. Ltd.
- Grande International Hospital
- IOM Migration Health Assessment Center
- Nepal Mediciti Hospital
- Norvic International Hospital
- Siddhi Poly Clinic Health Service
- Travel And Mountain Medicine Centre
- CIWEC Hospital Pvt Ltd, Pokhara
- IOM Migration Health Assessment Center Damak
Book your appointment directly with these clinics and check their websites for detailed instructions.
Implementation Timeline
-
Philippines and Nepal:
- Screening appointments opened on March 24, 2025.
- Certificate submission became mandatory on June 23, 2025.
-
Vietnam:
Expected to start on September 1, 2025.
-
Indonesia, Myanmar, and China:
Dates TBD, but planned for future inclusion.
Why This Policy Matters
Japan has seen a troubling rise in TB cases among foreigners. In 2023, of the 10,096 new TB cases reported, 1,619 (16%) were among foreign nationals, particularly from the target countries, with a significant impact on younger demographics. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare introduced this screening to address this trend. Globally, TB remains a serious issue—claiming over 1.25 million lives in 2023, per the World Health Organization (WHO)—despite being treatable and preventable.
This policy aligns with international health trends, as other nations have similar pre-entry screening measures. However, it may spark debates about its implications for human rights and freedom of movement.
Plan Ahead to Avoid Entry Issues
Failing to submit a valid TB clearance certificate could lead to entry denial, as noted in a June 23, 2025, article by The Mainichi. To stay compliant:
- Schedule your screening well before your travel date.
- Confirm your certificate’s validity period with the clinic.
- Gather all required documents for your visa or Certificate of Eligibility.
For the latest updates, visit the official JPETS website or contact a designated clinic.
This policy reflects Japan’s proactive stance on public health while welcoming long-term residents. If you’re eyeing an extended stay, check if you’re affected and take action to meet these new requirements. Safe travels!
