Japan Issues Vaccine Certificates to Citizens – Promoting Safe Overseas Travel

In a move that is bound to encourage more travel, the Japanese government is issuing vaccine certificates to citizens who have received the full COVID-19 vaccination. Also known as a “vaccine passport”, this certificate is for overseas travel to countries that recognise it; these destinations generally allow such travellers to enter with relaxed quarantine restrictions. Japan began accepting applications for its vaccine certificates from 26th July 2021 and while the initial documentation was on paper, it hopes to digitise the process.

Japan’s tourism industry will be hoping that foreign travellers with similar vaccine certificates can soon visit the country too. Apart from continuing its vaccination drives, Japan has put comprehensive health and safety measures in place. This can be seen at tourist hotspots as well including Kyoto; hotels in the city including the likes of Park Hotel Kyoto have implemented stringent cleanliness and hygiene protocols offering safe stays to domestic travellers and when the borders eventually reopen, to foreign tourists too.