BaseReady OCONUS Guides

PCS to Japan 2026 — OCONUS Military Move Guide (Okinawa & Mainland)

Space A reality check, 100V electronics, zero-quarantine pet timeline, housing wait times at Kadena, Yokota, and Yokosuka, and yen banking setup.

Pet import critical: Japan's zero-quarantine protocol requires a 180-day waiting period after a passing rabies titer test. Start this process 12–14 months before your PCS date. No exceptions.
Housing Wait Times
  • OK Okinawa (Kadena, Foster, Hansen): 6–18 months
  • YO Yokota AB (Tokyo area): 2–5 months
  • YK Yokosuka Naval Station: 3–8 months
  • ZA Camp Zama: 2–4 months
Pet Import Timeline
  • 1 Microchip & first rabies vaccination
  • 2 Second rabies vaccination (30+ days later)
  • 3 OIE-FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml required)
  • 4 180-day waiting period after passing titer
  • 5 USDA-endorsed health certificate (10-day window)
  • 6 Pre-arrival AQS notification
HowTo: PCS to Japan Step by Step
1

Start pet import process 12+ months out

Japan's zero-quarantine protocol requires a 180-day waiting period after a passing titer test. Begin immediately after receiving orders.

2

Apply for on-post housing immediately

Contact your gaining installation's housing office the same day you receive orders. Okinawa waitlists can exceed 12 months.

3

Inventory dual-voltage appliance needs

Walk through your home and check every appliance label for '100–240V.' Replace any single-voltage appliances before shipping.

4

Arrange yen banking and ATM access

Japan Post Bank and 7-Eleven ATMs accept US cards. Set up a yen account through the installation's military banking facility.

5

Get USFJ driving permit on arrival

During in-processing, visit vehicle registration for your USFJ Operator's Permit. Japan drives on the left — practice before your first off-base drive.

6

Enroll children in DoDEA Pacific schools

Contact the gaining DoDEA Pacific school directly after receiving orders. Enrollment can begin before you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions
How do Space A flights work for PCS to Japan?
Space A is for leave travel only — not your official PCS move. Official PCS flights are booked through TMO. MAC terminals with Japan routes include Travis AFB, Joint Base Charleston, and JBPHH.
Japan runs on 100V electricity — will my appliances work?
Japan uses 100V/50-60Hz. Most modern electronics auto-adjust. High-wattage single-voltage appliances (hair dryers, blenders) should be replaced with dual-voltage versions before you PCS.
How long is the Japan pet quarantine and how do I avoid it?
Zero-quarantine requires: ISO microchip, two rabies vaccinations 30+ days apart, OIE-FAVN titer test (≥0.5 IU/ml), 180-day wait after passing titer, USDA-endorsed health certificate, pre-arrival AQS notification. Start 12–14 months before your PCS date.
How do I get a driving permit for Japan under SOFA?
You receive a USFJ Operator's Permit at your installation's vehicle registration office during in-processing. Japan drives on the LEFT — plan dedicated practice time before driving off base.
What are on-post housing wait times in Okinawa vs mainland?
Okinawa (Kadena, Camp Foster, Camp Hansen): 6–18 months. Mainland: Yokota 2–5 months, Camp Zama 2–4 months, Yokosuka 3–8 months. Apply the day you receive orders.

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