Hong Kong and Japan Require PCR Test from Laboratory with ISO 15189 Certification

International corona rules continue to evolve. This week, it was announced that both Hong Kong and Japan require incoming travelers to have their PCR test taken at an ISO 15189 certified lab. Read all the details below.

Labs with an ISO 15189 certificate

An ISO 15189 certification guarantees that a laboratory meets international standards of quality and technical competence. Spoedteststraat works with a laboratory that is ISO 15189 accredited, which is a requirement for countries such as Japan and Hong Kong. If you take a test from us to travel to Japan or Hong Kong, you will also receive a laboratory statement.

Japan

There is currently a general entry ban in Japan (effective since November 30, 2021). When Japan reopens its borders for Dutch travelers, they must meet the specific requirements for the COVID-19 test and the certificate. You can download the Japanese COVID-19 test statement here. A PCR test, LAMP, TMA, and NEAR are some of the test options allowed to travel to Japan. The so-called nose and throat swab was recently added to the list of permitted corona tests. Please note that the test to travel to Japan must be taken no more than 72 hours before departure.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is currently very limited open to Dutch travelers. When traveling to Hong Kong, specific requirements must be considered. The laboratory where you take the corona test must have ISO 15189 certification. Spoedteststraat is aware of all the requirements and will provide you with the statements you need. You must prove that your PCR/NAAT test has been taken at an approved lab to travel to Hong Kong. At Spoedteststraat, you will therefore receive a lab statement for travel to Hong Kong. The COVID-19 test for Hong Kong can be taken up to 72 hours before departure.

Concluding

Currently, it is not possible for Dutch tourists without a residence permit to travel to Japan or Hong Kong. When borders reopen, travelers must consider the specific COVID-19 test requirements and provide additional statements such as a lab statement (Hong Kong) and the COVID-19 test statement from the Japanese government.