Japan: Mandatory Tuberculosis Screening for Certain Visa Applicants Forthcoming
March 11, 2025

Update – March 11, 2025: The Japanese government has launched a dedicated website for the Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening, with a list of designated clinics now available.
January 28, 2025: The Immigration Services Agency has announced that a Tuberculosis (TB) screening certificate will become mandatory for certain visa applications. This measure will apply to mid- to long-term visas, excluding Specified Skilled Worker visas, government-funded exchange programs, and nurse, social worker, or helper visas under the Economic Partnership Agreement and other government programs. It will also include Digital Nomad visas. Applicants subject to this requirement will have to undergo a chest X-ray at a medical institution located in designated countries and approved by the Japanese government. They will have to submit a TB Test certificate as part of the Certificate of Employment (COE) application and, depending on the timing, may also need to be provided during the visa application at the local consulate. The test certificate remains valid for 180 days from the date of testing.
For nationals of the Philippines and Nepal, the TB testing requirement is tentatively scheduled to begin on March 24, 2025, with the test certificate required for COE applications starting June 23, 2025. For Vietnam, testing is expected to commence on May 26, 2025, with the certificate requirement taking effect from September 1, 2025. Meanwhile, the implementation timeline for Indonesia, Myanmar, and China remains under discussion.
Individuals exempt from the TB test include existing residents re-entering Japan with a valid re-entry permit and those entering under visa programs that already require TB screenings, such as the Specified Skilled Worker visa.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen

Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.

Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.

Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.

Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.

Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.

Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.

Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.

Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.

Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.

Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.

Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.