For new entrants to Japan applying for a visa with a valid COE
Please be sure to complete the necessary procedures according to border control measures of the Japanese Government, as well as requirements by the International Office of Rikkyo University (1. pre-entry procedures - 2. post-entry procedures).
【Changes in border control measures for new arrivals】since October 2022
① No need to apply for the ERFS
② No entry inspection/waiting required
※Since 12 January, 2023, be sure to keep in mind:
If you will enter Japan on a direct flight from China (including Macau/excluding Hong Kong) on or, you must have a pre-entry inspection certificate (a negative test certificate taken within 72 hours prior to departure from China) prior to boarding (even if you have a valid vaccination certificate).
Please click here for more details.
③All entrants are required to subit either of the below.
(a) Certificate of vaccination (3 doses) on the World Health Organization (WHO) list of vaccines for emergency use against COVID-19.
(b) Negative test results within 72 hours prior to departure
Regarding the Fast Track, please be sure to check the manual prepared by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (click here) and follow the rules.
【References】Regarding border measures by the Japanese government
○the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Current Japanese Border Measures
○Ministary of Foreign Affairs: here
For those who need to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from scratch, click here.
１. Procedures prior to arrival in Japan
(１) Notify the International Office of your scheduled arrival date (Fill out the Form "Information of scheduled arrival date")
Since the International Office needs to check an arrival schedule of incoming students, please fill out the form "Information of scheduled arrival date" once your travel plan is fixed.
(２) Procedures for landing in Japan
① Enrollment in medical insurance
Make sure to purchase a travel insurance which enables you to access to medical treatment for at least two weeks after your arrrival. Before you subscribe a National Health Insurance in Japan, your travel insurance policy should allow you to obtain medical treatment. Uplodading an insurance certificate to this form is required.
② Required certificates to enter Japan
All entrants need to submit either of the below certificate according to the border measures. Please not that both (a) and (b) are necessary if entering Japan by direct flight from China.
(a) Vaccination certificates (3 doses) listed on the World Health Organization (WHO) emergency use list for the COVID-19.
(b) Negative test results taken within 72 hours prior to departure from the country
③ Fast Track～ "Visit Japan Web"
Fast Track is a way to handle quarantine procedures on Visit Japan Web. You can register documentation and more before entering Japan, by tapping the 'Quarantine procedures (Fast Track)' button on Visit Japan Web.
２. Procedures after arriving in Japan (after receiving a residence card)
As a host institution, Rikkyo University needs to confirm the status of the students coming to Japan. Please make sure to submit/upload your information.
(1) When entering Japan: Obtaining a residence card
At the airport, you will receive a residence card. You may also apply for and obtain a "part-time work permit※" at the same time.
(2) Submission of the "Entry Report Form" to the International Office (after your arrival)
Since the International Office needs to grasp the arrival status of international students and the residence card status, please be sure to enter/upload necessary information after your arrival.
(3) Resident Registration (Ward/City Hall)
Bring your residence card to the ward or city office in your residencial area and register your address. Your address is supposed to be printed on the back side of the card.
(4) Uploading your residence card to IRIS
Be sure to upload your residence card from the "Residence Card" button on the top page of IRIS and change your current location as well, and enter your Japanese address and phone number in your personal information in IRIS.
※ Application for a "Part-time work permit" (optional)
If you may do a part-time job in Japan, please apply for the "Part-time work permit" upon arrival at the airport. For more information about the Permit to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence, please click here.
When you are engaged in a part-time job, you have to keep in mind the maximum working hours:
During the school term: within 28 hours/week
During university break period: within 8 hours/day
●Tips to find accommodations
Tips for finding a room are available here 💡