*Last updated on: 28 May 2021

COVID-19 Safety Measures at Tokyo Narita Airport

Narita International Airport (NAIA) located in Chiba, Japan is one of the busiest in the world, serving a total of 44.34 million terminal passengers during 2019. Although the current number of passengers both arriving and departing in 2020 has decreased due to the impact of the Coronavirus, the airport continues to be one of the entry points to Japan's most important tourist and business hubs - and the departure point for those wishing to explore other regions of Japan. In keeping with global best practice, the airport has launched a number of initiatives to ensure that those arriving and departing are kept safe during their travels, the COVID-19 safety measures at Tokyo Narita International Airport are among the best and most forward-thinking in the world and should provide you the peace of mind so essential to enjoying your time in Japan.

Certification from Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) Program

In January 2021, Narita International Airport was the 1st airport in Japan to receive a certification from Airport Health Accreditation (AHA) Program in which it went through a total of 122 items based on the guidelines and recommendations drawn by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The list includes cleaning, disinfecting, mask compliance by airport employees, social distancing, and pushing for contactless procedures.

Are there any new immigration or security processes to know about at Narita Airport?

Those entering or returning to Japan, must self-quarantine for 14 days. Upon arrival in Japan, travellers are restricted from using public transportation (aircraft, buses, trains, taxis, etc.) and therefore prior to arrival in Japan, would have to secure a place of stay and a method on how to arrive at that designated facility from the airport (no public transportation). Travellers will be required to inform the designated quarantine office of the place of stay and their mode of transportation at the time of entry. Further information about the regulations on the mode of transportation from the airport are provided on the NAIA website.

There is a list of countries/regions in which foreign nationals who have been in the past 14 days prior to arrival are currently restricted to enter Japan unless under special circumstances. Please check the Immigration Services Agency of Japan direct site for the most updated information

New COVID-19 initiatives - technology

Narita International Airport is at the forefront of rolling out initiatives to ensure the safety of passengers departing the airport. New facial recognition reduces the interaction between passengers and airport staff and thus the possibility of infection by the COVID-19 virus. Passengers register their facial identity of the 'One ID' system at the beginning of the boarding process - after that process is streamlined as they move through the boarding process (baggage drop, entry to security screening checkpoints and finally the boarding gate). The contactless 'One ID' system removes the necessity of presenting boarding passes or passports.

Reducing congestion and encouraging social distancing

The authorities at Tokyo Narita International Airport have taken measures to ensure that social distancing is encouraged through the posting of waiting times for boarding at various traditionally congested areas in the airport system, such as the traditionally busy security screening checkpoints. In addition, easy to understand floor markings indicate safe distancing best practices (a minimum of 1 metre apart) and enable travellers to play their part in making the airport environment much safer for everyone. Those passengers using airport seating will also note that airport management has separated each seat by one seat width in areas such as lounges and lobbies. Plexiglass barriers now separate airport employees from passengers and other visitors and passengers should note that the wearing of face masks while at the airport is mandatory.

Ensuring optimum air quality

The authorities at Tokyo Narita International Airport have increased the output of the air conditioning system within the airport buildings, as well as, increasing the hours of its operation. The increased levels and stronger ventilation have been shown to reduce the possibility of airborne transmission of the virus. This initiative provides passengers and visitors to the airport with further peace of mind that their health is an operational priority. Air quality standards in terminals and other areas are now significantly higher than the already stringent Japanese regulatory requirements.

Sanitising and cleaning

In keeping with global best practice, Tokyo Narita International Airport has replaced the ordinary soap in washrooms with medicated soap that has been formulated to eliminate the virus. High traffic areas and areas frequently touched by airport visitors (such as escalators, elevators, baggage carts and counters) are now disinfected more regularly. Medicated hand sanitiser is widely available in all terminals.

Temperature scanning

Temperature scanning of domestic travellers is now in place at security checkpoints prior to departure and the same service is currently being rolled out to serve international travellers. Those with above-normal temperatures will be prevented from travelling. Airport authorities recommend that travellers check their temperatures before leaving for the airport.

PCR Testing at the Airport

Narita International Airport has its own PCR test center for passengers departing on international flights. The PCR test center can issue a certification for negative results within 2 hours, however depending on the volume, the results may take longer.

Shopping and duty-free

Some shopping outlets will be closed at Narita International Airport due to COVID-19. Please check the NAIA website for the latest update on temporary closure information for retail stores. Some duty-free stores offer a pre-ordering service. Other boutique retail outlets such as Cartier, GUCCI, TIFFANY & CO, HERMÈS, BVLGARI, BOTTEGA VENETA and Salvatore Ferragamo will be open by appointment only. Passengers are encouraged to contact these outlets directly.

Further information

Further information on the steps being taken to protect the health of passengers, as well as guidelines for how those passengers can ensure that they enjoy a safe and pleasant airport experience is available on the Tokyo Narita airport website. The website also contains information on which shops will be open during this period of increased COVID-19 focus. Public service announcements will be made regularly in order to provide passengers at the airport with important COVID-19 information. BudgetAir has been trusted to help travellers find our best flight deals from servicing 9,000 destinations across the globe. Be sure to check our website to find our best deals to Japan when you're ready to travel.