Japan Announces New Medical Screening Requirement for Visa Applicants

Japan has introduced a mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening requirement for visa applicants from certain countries, with the most recent phase set to commence on November 2, 2026. Indonesian nationals will be the first to undergo this screening, starting November 2. Beginning January 4, 2027, affected applicants will need to present a Tuberculosis Clearance Certificate alongside their Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency announced this policy in January 2025, which now includes Digital Nomad visas and specific mid- and long-term visas.

Applicants must undergo a chest X-ray at a government-approved medical facility in a designated country. The clearance certificate remains valid for 180 days from the testing date and may also be necessary when submitting a visa application at a Japanese consulate. Earlier, Japan had planned to roll out the requirement for nationals of the Philippines, Nepal, and Vietnam in a phased manner.

Screening for these nationals was initially set to begin on specific dates, with the certificates becoming mandatory for COE applications from June 23, 2025, and the testing dates starting from May 26, 2025, for Vietnam.

Indonesia, Myanmar, and China were initially unclear on their implementation schedule, but Indonesia's date has now been confirmed. Certain visa categories, such as Specified Skilled Worker visas, government-funded exchange programs, and visas for nurses, social workers, and helpers under government agreements, are exempt from the requirement.

Foreign residents with valid re-entry permits, and individuals entering under programs that already necessitate TB screening, are also exempt from this new medical screening requirement.