Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is one of the major infectious diseases in Japan. More than 10,000 new cases are confirmed annually, approximately 1,500 deaths reported due to TB. In recent years, the number of foreign-born patients has been increasing in Japan, with 1,619 of the 10,096 newly notified TB cases in 2023 being foreign-born. Particularly in young age groups with a high potential to transmit the disease to a large number of people, foreign-born nationals account for the majority of newly notified TB cases.

　In view of the situation of TB cases in Japan, pre-entry TB screening will be introduced to nationals of countries with a particularly large number of TB cases in Japan, who intend to enter Japan and stay for a medium-to long-term, to ensure that they do not have active TB before traveling to Japan.

Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS) will be introduced to three countries (Philippines, Nepal and Viet Nam) where all necessary coordination has been completed.

Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (December 26, 2024) ［280KB］

For more information, visit the JPETS website (coming soon).

　Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS) is a TB test to certify with the TB Clearance Certificate that foreign nationals who intend to enter Japan from target countries and stay for a medium-to long-term do not have active tuberculosis by undergoing a chest x-ray examination, etc. at a Panel Clinic before traveling to Japan.

　TB screening will apply to nationals of countries (the Philippines, Viet Nam, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar, and China) with a large proportion of foreign-born cases diagnosed with TB during their stay in Japan  who intend to enter and stay in Japan as a "Mid–to long-Term Resident” (excluding re-entry permit holder) or under the provisions of Notifications No. 53 (Digital Nomad) or No. 54 (Spouse or Child of Digital Nomad) “Designated Activities.”

　However, if the residence permit or other documentation issued by the government of the applicant’s place of residence confirms that their current place of residence is outside the target countries or region, the applicant will be exempt from the TB screening.

　(*) “Mid-to-long-Term Resident” refers to individuals specified in Article 19-3 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act  (foreign nationals who are residing in Japan with a status of residence, excluding those who fall into one of the following categories: (1) a person who has been granted a period of stay  not exceeding three months; (2) a person who has been granted the status of residence  “Temporary Visitor” ; (3) a person who has been granted the status of residence “Diplomat” or “Official”; and (4) a person prescribed by Ministry of Justice Order as being equivalent to a person mentioned in (3) ).

　JET Programme  participants, JICA trainees  (both long-term and short-term), international students of JICA’s Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship  (JDS), Japanese Government Scholarship students  with an embassy recommendation, foreign students who enter Japan under commissioned education and training programs, nurses and care workers accepted under Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) with applicable countries, specified skilled foreign workers , and foreign nationals who enter Japan under the Project to Accept Foreigners Conducting Housekeeping Services in National Strategic Special Zones  (pursuant to the Act on National Strategic Special Zones , Article 16-4)will be temporarily exempt from screening. 

　※ For details, please refer to the Guideline for Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening［155KB］
 

１ Applicants will undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray at a Panel Clinic in the target countries.

２ TB Clearance Certificate will be issued by the Panel Clinic when the applicant does not have active tuberculosis.

３ Applicants will be required to submit the TB Clearance Certificate when applying for a Certificate of Eligibility (or when applying for a visa at a Japanese diplomatic mission abroad in cases where they apply for a visa without obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility).

[Note]

・ Applicants will be required to present a valid passport for verifying their identity.

・ The cost of the TB screening will be borne by the applicant.

・ The number of days expected for issuance of the TB Clearance Certificate and the cost may vary depending on the medical facility.

・ The validity of the TB Clearance Certificate will be valid for 180 days from the date of the chest X-ray, in principle.

・ Applicants must keep their personal copy of the TB Clearance Certificate, as they may be required to present it even after entering Japan.

For information about application for Certificate of Eligibility, please refer to Immigration Services Agency.
For information about VISA, please refer to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

* Panel Clinics will be announced on the website for JPETS. 

　

Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening - TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS December 2024［2.9MB］