Japan Announces New Medical Screening Requirement for Visa Applicants

Japan has confirmed new mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements for certain foreign nationals applying for visas, with the latest phase scheduled to take effect on November 2, 2026.

Key points

• Similarly, testing for Vietnamese nationals was scheduled to start on May 26, 2025, followed by the certificate requirement on September 1, 2025.
• The screening policy was originally confirmed by Japan's Immigration Services Agency in January 2025 and covers certain mid- and long-term visas, including Digital Nomad visas.
• Japan previously confirmed a phased rollout of the requirement for nationals of the Philippines, Nepal, and Vietnam.
• Under the rules, applicants must undergo a chest X-ray at a medical institution approved by the Japanese administration in a designated country.
• Foreign residents returning to Japan with valid re-entry permits and individuals entering under programs that already require TB screening are additionally exempt.

For context, the new requirement will apply to Indonesian nationals. This person must undergo TB screening from November 2. Affected applicants will additionally have to submit a Tuberculosis Clearance Certificate with their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications starting January 4, 2027. Govt Tightens Employment Rules for Dual National Bureaucrats.

Notably, the screening policy was originally confirmed by Japan's Immigration Services Agency in January 2025 and covers certain mid- and long-term visas, including Digital Nomad visas.

Under the rules, applicants must undergo a chest X-ray at a medical institution approved by the Japanese administration in a designated country. The clearance certificate will remain valid for 180 days from the date of testing and may additionally be required when submitting a visa application at a Japanese consulate.

For applicants from the Philippines and Nepal, screening was initially scheduled to commence on March 24, 2025, with clearance certificates becoming mandatory for COE applications from June 23, 2025. New Zealand Makes Overseas Job Payment Illegal.

Similarly, testing for Vietnamese nationals was scheduled to start on May 26, 2025, followed by the certificate requirement on September 1, 2025. The implementation schedules for Indonesia, Myanmar, and China were initially left undecided, but the dates for Indonesia have now been confirmed.

Nevertheless, certain visa categories are exempt from the requirement, including Specified Skilled Worker visas, government-funded exchange programs, and visas issued to nurses, social workers, and helpers under the Economic Partnership Agreement and other administration programs.

Foreign residents returning to Japan with valid re-entry permits and individuals entering under programs that already require TB screening are additionally exempt. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

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