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Digital Certification from COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) Will Become Available

Japanese

April 6, 2021

External Economic Policy

【Updated on May 31, 2022】Please refer to the TeCOT portal site外部リンク for details on updates to this release.

The COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT) is a system in which the government supports overseas travelers in obtaining certification for the results of their medical tests for COVID-19. A certified medical test is necessary for overseas travel and for other purposes. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) hereby announces that digital certification (issuance of testing certificates in PDF format) will become available.

1. About the COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers (TeCOT)

Since last October, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW), METI has been operating TeCOT, which is a system that enables overseas business travelers to locate and make an appointment at a medical institution which provides a medical test for the novel coronavirus disease, and which issues certification of negative test results in a manner tailored to their destination countries' requirements.

2. About the app and features of digital certification (issuance of test certificates in PDF format)

A new app for smartphones (iOS and Android) will be released on April 9 (Fri.) this year. In addition to the appointment and matching features that are available online, the app will also contain a digital certification feature that issues a test certificate in PDF format.*1 (About 80 medical institutions (as of April 5) out of those that accept online appointments through TeCOT will be able to provide this service.) Test certificates will be issued in a format that meets the requirements of the traveler’s destination country.

This will enable patients to obtain their own certificates electronically via their device when traveling if necessary,*2 eliminating the need to additionally visit a medical institution just to receive one.*3

In the future, METI is also going to consider how to accommodate international standards regarding test certificates, discussing matters with relevant ministries and agencies as it does so.

Note:
*1 User manuals and information on how to download the app will be released at a later date on the TeCOT portal site below.
*2 You will also be able to use the digital certification feature when making reservations through a travel agency, etc.
*3 Previously, people needed to visit medical institutions twice (once to give a sample and once to receive a certificate), and there were calls for measures to save time and effort. Please note that depending on the destination country, it may be necessary to have test certificates printed out and signed, stamped, etc. at the medical institution in person.

Related document

Links to related information

Division in Charge

Team for Supporting Travelers to Overseas Countries, Investment Facilitation Division, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau

Information on TeCOT:
TeCOT call center (service hours: from 9:00 to 17:00)

For medical institutions:
Tel: 0570-028117 (line for IP phones, etc.: 03-6830-8026)

For overseas travelers:
Tel: 0570-039656 (line for IP phones, etc.: 03-6830-8027)

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