Japan has announced that Indonesian nationals will become subject to pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening requirements as part of its ongoing effort to reduce imported tuberculosis cases among medium- and long-term foreign residents.
According to updated guidance issued by the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) of Japan, the new requirement will apply to Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications filed on or after January 4, 2027. The TB screening program for Indonesian nationals will begin accepting examinations on November 2, 2026.
Background
Japan introduced its pre-entry TB screening program in response to the growing number of tuberculosis cases diagnosed among foreign-born individuals after arrival in Japan.
Government data shows that a significant proportion of foreign-born TB patients in Japan originate from countries with comparatively high TB incidence rates. As a result, Japan has gradually expanded pre-entry health screening requirements for nationals of certain countries seeking medium- to long-term residence in Japan.
Indonesia Added to Existing TB Screening Program
With this latest expansion, Indonesian nationals seeking eligible immigration benefits will join nationals of:
- The Philippines
- Nepal
- Vietnam
who are already subject to mandatory TB screening requirements before immigration processing.
Japan has also identified Myanmar and China as future target countries, although implementation dates for those jurisdictions have not yet been announced.
Key Dates
November 2, 2026: Designated medical facilities in Indonesia are expected to begin accepting applicants for TB screening.
January 4, 2027: TB screening documentation will become a required part of qualifying COE applications filed by Indonesian nationals.
Who Is Affected?
The requirement generally applies to Indonesian nationals seeking medium- to long-term stay in Japan who require a Certificate of Eligibility before visa issuance.
Applicants will be required to submit a Tuberculosis Clearance Certificate (or equivalent TB non-infection certification) issued by a designated medical institution approved under Japan’s screening framework.
The required documentation and examination procedures will mirror the process currently used for nationals of the Philippines, Nepal, and Vietnam.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news becomes available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.