Last updated: 15 Aug 2013
Security and health
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller site provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Japan. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.
It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.
It is also recommended for Australian travellers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.
Health
Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world and has a high level of hygiene and health standards. Tap water is safe to drink throughout Japan and bottled water is readily available.
No standard vaccinations are required unless travelling from certain destinations including Africa. Check with your doctor and travel agent.
The standard of medical and hospital care in Japan is high but costly. Travel insurance is an absolute must for all visitors, regardless of duration. There are number of medical clinics in the larger centres where doctors speak English and have often been trained overseas. Your hotel will be able to advise you of a convenient clinic or hospital in a medical emergency.
Most common over-the-counter medicines are available through pharmacies nationwide. Visitors with special pharmaceutical needs should bring adequate supplies of their prescription medicine with them from Australia. Personal import of prescription medicine from overseas is allowed in Japan.
Top Business Risks
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Multinational Enterprises should be aware of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises that provide voluntary principles and standards for responsible business behaviour in a variety of areas, consistent with applicable domestic laws. These Guidelines are endorsed and promoted by the Australian Government. For more information, go to the AusNCP website.
APEC Business Travel Card Scheme
Managed by the Department of Immigration, the APEC Business Travel Card Scheme was developed to make travelling within the 21 APEC member countries much simpler and more efficient.
Bilateral agreements
Australia has social security agreements with several countries that address the issue of 'double super coverage' for employees sent to work overseas. To take advantage of these agreements, Australian employers sending employees overseas to work must apply to the Tax Office for a Certificate of coverage.
For more details, please visit the Australian Taxation Office website.
IP Passport fact sheets
These fact sheets outline foreign Intellectual Property (IP) regimes and some of the issues and challenges which may be faced by Australian exporters.
The current fact sheets are available on the IP Australia website.