Before Arrival

1. Families complete EFMP screening at their losing duty station.
2. Camp Zama EFMP office reviews the packet to determine if medical needs can be supported in Japan.
3. Kadena Military Treatment Facility must approve the EFMP packet.

• Frequent behavioral health counseling
• Complex behavioral health conditions or history
• Need for specialty medical care or long-term follow-up
• High-risk obstetrics

Strict requirements apply for bringing pets to and from Okinawa.

Key Considerations:

• Advance planning is required
• Vaccination and quarantine rules apply
• Documentation must be completed prior to travel

Read through the information supplied in the following resources thoroughly. The health screening process has timeline requirements that when adhered to will avoid  quarantine and ensure a smooth entry to Japan.

https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/vet/import/

https://www.usarj.army.mil/Portals/33/organization/vet/doc/Web%20-%20Pet%20Import%20Memo.pdf

Aggressive or Dangerous Dog Breeds

In accordance with Army Policy, “Domestic Animals on Army Installations,” residents, employees, contractors or visitors may not bring onto any installation any dog or breed (including mixed breed) that is deemed aggressive or dangerous, or potentially aggressive or dangerous.

For the purposes of this policy, “aggressive or dangerous” or “potentially aggressive or dangerous” breeds of dogs are defined as pit bulls (American Staffordshire, bull terriers or English Staffordshire bull terriers), Rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, chows and wolf hybrids.

U.S. personnel who own one of the above breeds cannot bring their pets to Japan or Okinawa. Exotic pets are also prohibited. You can find additional information on bringing pets to Japan here: https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/vet/import/.

The pets of personnel assigned to Torii Station will receive their veterinary services through the Kadena Airbase VETAC.

Okinawa Veterinary Activity

Kadena AB, BLDG 731 Davis Ave                                                     

Website: https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Veterinary-Readiness-Activity-Japan/Okinawa/

Hours of Operation: Monday - Thursday: 0830 - 1630 / Friday 0830 - 1500
Closed all Federal Holidays and Last Duty Day of the month for Inventory/Training

Contact Information:

DSN: 630-3990

JPN: 098-938-1110, wait for dial tone-630-3990 

USA: 512-630-3990

Email: usarmy.zama.medcom-ph-p.mbx.pha-j-okinawa-vetac@health.mil

Okinawa VETAC strives to deliver high-quality care to all our Military family and their pets through the support of our highly capable team comprised of NAF, MLCs (local nationals), and the Army Veterinary Corps. The Okinawa VETAC provides Military Working Dog medical care for the III Marine Expeditionary Force and the 18th Air Wing. Our clinic serves as the Role III veterinary referral for the Indo-Pacific region. The Okinawa VETAC provides healthcare to over 12,000 personally owned animals and supports the Government of Japan with the Rabies Prevention Program. Okinawa Branch ensures food safety across 13 installations on the island. 

For our new clients who have just arrived, you will need to come to the Okinawa Veterinary Activity (VETAC) for your pet’s registration and initial quarantine exam within 72 hours (3 business days) of your arrival. This exam is to verify your pet is not showing symptoms of rabies. Registration forms are available at the clinic or can be downloaded and printed out from our website at: https://phcp.health.mil/Commands/Public-Health-Activity-Japan/Okinawa/

Please make sure to bring your pet(s) and any documentation you have, including previous pet records, and travel related documents to your appointment! 

The Okinawa VETAC staff is committed to efficiently providing quality veterinary care. We understand your time is valuable. To accommodate all our clients, we will be unable to offer any additional services during your quarantine appointment. If your pet(s) require any additional services, please see the front desk staff to schedule a sick call or wellness appointment for your pet(s).

Pets may be brought to Japan as excess baggage on AMC charter flights that land at Yokota AB or on commercial flights that land at Narita IAP. Pets may also be shipped as commercial cargo to arrive to Narita IAP. Shipment of pets must be at the owner’s expense whether moving as excess baggage or commercial cargo.

It is extremely important that you have your required documentation in order.

More information is available at: /Units/vet/import/

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa at Camp Foster is a full-service hospital that provides care comparable to many stateside facilities.

Host Nation Assistance:

If you experience a medical emergency:

Dial 119 for an ambulance.

• Ambulance transport is free, but hospital treatment will incur charges.

Healthcare in Japan can operate differently than in the United States.

• Japanese emergency departments are not required to accept patients or provide stabilization as U.S. hospitals are.
• Hospital acceptance may take time, even during emergencies.
• Medical capabilities at Japanese hospitals can vary from day to day.

There are no medical facilities on Torii Station.

Army personnel receive care at Internal Medicine, U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa, Camp Foster, except 1-1 Air Defense Artillery personnel stationed on Kadena Air Base, who report to the Kadena 18th Medical Group Clinic.

Army family members are assigned either to a military medical facility or to a community provider, depending on their TRICARE plan.

U.S. Naval Hospital Okinawa at Camp Foster is a full-service hospital that provides care comparable to many stateside facilities. Primary care is also available at:

• Bush Clinic, Camp Courtney
• Kinser Family Practice
• Evans Clinic, Camp Foster
• Kadena Clinic

 U.S. civilian employees assigned overseas may be eligible for care at military medical facilities on a space-available basis and for a fee. Availability depends on location, staffing, and patient demand. Active-duty service members and their families remain the priority for care.

 Routine dental and optometry services may not always be available through military facilities.

 Because military medical care overseas can be limited and expensive:

• Speak with your gaining CHRA and sponsor before arrival about your family’s medical needs.
• Keep health insurance that covers care off post.
• Contact your insurance carrier to confirm what receipts and claims are accepted for overseas care.
• Ask your local TRICARE office or coworkers for referrals to host-nation providers.

 More information on Federal Employees Health Benefits is available through the Office of Personnel Management.

 For host-nation medical options, visit:

Host Nation Medical – Options (army.mil)

The dental clinic on Torii Station provides care for active-duty personnel.

Family members of active-duty personnel may receive dental care at Kadena Air Base or Camp Foster when staffing and availability permit. However, most dental care is referred to local providers that accept TRICARE Dental.

For more information on Dental Health Activity in Japan: https://www.usarj.army.mil/units/dentac/

U.S. civilian employees overseas may receive care at military medical facilities on a space-available basis and for a fee, but routine dental care is often limited. Many civilians and family members will need to use host-nation dental providers.

Before arrival or as soon as possible after assignment:

• Review your dental coverage
• Confirm overseas claim requirements with your insurance provider
• Ask your insurance provider for local provider recommendations

When traveling to Japan:

• Bring no more than a 30-day supply of medication.
• Medication must be in the original bottle with the pharmacy label.

If you need to bring more than a 30-day supply, you must apply for an import certificate: "Yunyu Kakuninsho" (Medication Import Certificate)

Medications That May Be Prohibited

Some medications legal in the U.S. are restricted or prohibited in Japan, including:

• Stimulants (example: Adderall)
• Narcotic medications (example: Percocet)
• Psychotropic drugs
• Certain controlled substances

Always verify medication status with ⚠

Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare: Japan Medication Rules ⚠

Additional guidance is available from the: U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Japan

Optometry and Optical Services are available at the Kadena Main Exchange ⚠.

Healthcare in Japan can operate differently than in the United States.

• Cultural approaches to doctor-patient interaction, pain management, and behavioral health treatment may differ from U.S. practices.
• Behavioral health services are limited across Japan.
• Specialized therapies for children, including ABA therapy, are extremely limited or unavailable.

AMC Rotator/Patriot Express arrival at Kadena Air Base

The Patriot Express flight travels from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA-TAC) to Kadena Air Base (DNA), Okinawa, and is the preferred travel method for Soldiers traveling to Okinawa.

After landing:

1. An Air Mobility Command (AMC) representative will guide you through immigration and customs.
2. Collect your baggage and proceed through customs inspection.
3. If baggage is missing or damaged, file a claim with Lost and Found before leaving the baggage area.

After clearing customs, your sponsor should meet you.

If you know that only a vehicle will be present, proceed to the north side parking lot of the terminal where your driver will be waiting.

When you arrive at Narita International Airport (NRT), you will first clear Japanese quarantine before proceeding to Immigration, both located on the second floor.

After clearing Immigration, proceed to the first floor baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage from the designated carousel. Once you have collected your baggage, proceed to a Customs counter for final clearance into Japan.

After clearing customs, re-check in for your domestic connecting flight to Okinawa (see Arrival at Naha section).

Allow sufficient time between arrival and your connecting flight, as the quarantine, immigration, and customs process may take time.

If you have a pet accompanying you, please see the “Traveling with Pets” section.

Kadena Air Base is the preferred arrival gateway for newcomers and those on temporary duty. However, if your itinerary routes through Haneda International Airport (HND), you will connect to a domestic flight to Okinawa.

Upon arrival, follow signs for International Arrivals and first clear Japanese quarantine, then proceed to Immigration, both located on the second floor.

After clearing Immigration, proceed to the first floor baggage claim area to retrieve your luggage from the designated carousel. Once you have collected your baggage, proceed to a Customs counter for final clearance into Japan.

After clearing customs, re-check in for your domestic connecting flight to Okinawa (see Arrival at Naha section).

If you have a pet accompanying you, please see the “Traveling with Pets” section.

Upon arrival at Naha International Airport, your sponsor should meet you at the airport.

If you arrive through the International Terminal, you will collect your baggage and clear Japanese Customs and Immigration before exiting the secure area.

If your sponsor is not present, look near the double doors by Customs for the red “Welcome to Okinawa U.S. Military Phone” sign. This phone is available for military members to contact their unit. A list of phone numbers and dialing instructions is posted nearby.

If you arrive through the Domestic Terminal, you may request assistance from the airport information desk to locate a phone. Dial 911-5111, wait for the dial tone, and then dial the DSN number for your unit.

Uniformed Marine Corps or Air Force personnel are often present in the arrival terminal and may be able to assist you with transportation to a military installation.

If needed, you may take a taxi to Torii Station. Select a taxi marked “On Base”, which can pass through installation gates. Taxi fares typically range from 6,000–10,000 yen. Most taxis accept credit cards, but you may wish to exchange currency beforehand.

Torii Station is approximately 17 km from Naha International Airport.

If you have a pet accompanying you, please see the “Traveling with Pets” section.

Travelers arriving in Okinawa can obtain Japanese yen at ATMs located inside Naha International Airport or at nearby convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson. Most international debit and credit cards work at these ATMs.

While credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and many taxis, cash is still commonly used in Japan, particularly for small purchases and some transportation services. Travelers are encouraged to carry a small amount of yen upon arrival.

Recommended:

• Withdraw yen from an airport or convenience-store ATM after arrival.
• Carry approximately ¥10,000–¥20,000 to cover transportation, food, or small purchases during initial travel.

Most taxis accept major credit cards; however, cash is recommended as a backup in case card payment is unavailable.

*remember to inform your banking institution of your upcoming travel to ensure you can access any needed funds. Some travelers have fraud alerts enabled that will create payment denial if you do not inform the bank of the travel.