Flying While Pregnant in Japan: Do You Need a Doctor’s Letter?

If you’re pregnant and planning to fly during your trip to Japan—or need to fly home—you may be wondering: Is it safe to fly while pregnant? Do I need a doctor’s certificate? In this blog, we explain what you need to know and how Ashiya Women’s Clinic can support you if a certificate is required.

Is It Safe to Fly While Pregnant?

Medically speaking, there’s no specific week of pregnancy when flying becomes strictly prohibited. Air travel itself does not harm the baby or increase the risk of miscarriage or premature labor.
Most obstetricians agree: as long as you’re not close to labor and have no medical complications, you can fly at any stage of pregnancy.

Why Do Some Doctors Still Advise Against Traveling?

Even though flying is safe, many obstetricians don’t recommend traveling during pregnancy—especially internationally. Here’s why:

• If something unexpected happens (such as early labor or bleeding), it may be difficult to access proper medical care in a foreign place.
• You could end up hospitalized or even giving birth in an unfamiliar location, far from home.
• These scenarios are rare, but they do happen.
  That’s why many doctors say: “Please consider the risks carefully before you travel.”

Airline Rules Vary: When Do You Need a Doctor’s Certificate?

While there’s no medical restriction, airlines have their own rules for pregnant passengers. These vary by carrier, but generally:

• After 28 weeks of pregnancy, many airlines require a “Fit-to-Fly” certificate from a doctor.
• Some may restrict travel completely after 36 weeks (or 32 weeks for twins).
• Each airline has its own format, wording, and timing requirements—so please check directly with the airline you plan to fly with.

Need a Fit-to-Fly Certificate During Your Trip to Japan?

If you’re a pregnant traveler in Japan and need a certificate to board your flight, Ashiya Women’s Clinic can help.

We are located in Ashiya City (Hyogo Prefecture), just a 3-minute walk from JR Ashiya Station. Our clinic director is an experienced obstetrician and gynecologist. We speak English and Chinese, and can provide the necessary examination and documentation in English.
Your Fit-to-Fly Certificate will include:

• Your gestational age and due date
• Confirmation that there are no complications and you’re safe to fly
• The doctor’s signature and clinic information

👉 Please note: a medical consultation and basic examination are required before we can issue the certificate.

Planning to Fly While Pregnant in Japan? We’re Here for You.

If you’re:

• Pregnant and planning to fly
• Asked by an airline to provide a certificate
• Unsure about your condition while traveling

Please visit us at Ashiya Women’s Clinic. We’ll provide you with the care, documentation, and support you need to travel safely and confidently.
Wishing you a safe and comfortable journey—for both you and your baby!

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Ashiya Women’s Clinic
🚉 3-min walk from JR Ashiya Station
📍 4th floor, 5-19 Oharacho, Ashiya, Hyogo, Japan　Google Map
🕒 Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri：10:00〜13:00 / 15:00〜19:00
　   Sat：10:00〜17:00（Reservations only after 13:00）
      Closed on Wed, Sun, and National Holidays
💻 Online booking available – no phone reservations.
🏠 Official Website
👉 Click here for online booking