Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening（JPETS）
In view of the situation of TB cases in Japan, Pre-Entry TB screening has been 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 period, to ensure that they do not have active TB before traveling to Japan.
Topics
Important Notice (Updated on September 25, 2026)
Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (JPETS) has been introduced in the Philippines, Nepal and Viet Nam, and will also be introduced in Indonesia on November 2, 2026.
- Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening to Be Launched in Indonesia.（September 25,2026 ）［53KB］new
- Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening (September 25, 2025)［100KB］new
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For more information, visit the JPETS website.
Outline of JPETS
What's JPETS ?
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.
Applicants subject to JPETS
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 residents” (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 residents” 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 of not exceeding three months; (2) a person who has been granted the status of residence of “Temporary Visitor” ; (3) a person who has been granted the status of residence of “Diplomat” or “Official”; and (4) a person prescribed by Ministry of Justice Order as being equivalent to a person mentioned in (1) through (3) ).
JET Programme participants, JICA trainees (both long-term and short-term), international students of JICA’s Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS), participants to the long-term and mid-term invitation programs of Japan Foundation, 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 workers, foreign nationals who enter Japan under the provision of Notification No. 55 (specified motor vehicle transportation business preparation) on Designated Activities, 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［100KB］
The screening process
- Applicants will undergo a medical examination and chest X-ray at a Panel Clinic in the target countries.
- TB Clearance Certificate will be issued by the Panel Clinic when the applicant does not have active tuberculosis.
- 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.
The screening flow
For information about Certificate of Eligibility application procedures, please refer to Immigration Services Agency website.
For information about visa application procedures, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Countries for the TB screening and commencing date
| Commencing date for TB screening | Commencing date for obligation to submit the TB Clearance Certificate |
|
|---|---|---|
| The Philippines and Nepal | March 24, 2025 | June 23, 2025 |
| Viet Nam | May 26, 2025 | September 1, 2025 |
| Indonesia | Scheduled for November 2, 2026 | Scheduled for January 4, 2027 |
| Myanmar and China |
To be scheduled
(To be announced when the start date is confirmed)
|
Same as on the left |
Guidelines
- the Guideline for Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening［100KB］
- Japan Pre-Entry Tuberculosis Screening - TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS_ December 2024［2.9MB］
