On Saturday December 26, Japan announced that it will ban new entry from travellers across the world starting Monday December 28 until the end of January 2021. According to The Japan Times, this new development came after the detection of seven individuals since Friday December 25 who were infected with the new potentially more transmissible strain of coronavirus which was first discovered in the UK.
Here are some of the key points that have been announced so far:
- Japan will not accept new international entry beginning Monday December 28 until the end of January 2021.
- Japanese citizens and foreign residents with a valid re-entry permit are exempted from this temporary entry ban. However, they are required to submit proof of a negative coronavirus test that was taken 72 hours before the departure time of the flight into Japan. They must also quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and must not take public transport to leave the airport.
- Foreign residents in Japan who have stayed in the UK and South Africa within 14 days prior to their arrival in Japan must now submit a new pledge.
- Starting from December 26, foreign residents who are coming from the UK and South Africa are required to quarantine at a location designated by the quarantine office for the first three days upon arrival. There will be another Covid-19 test on the third day and if the result is negative, they can then self-quarantine at home until 14 days have passed since entering Japan. More information here.
- Japan will stop issuing any new visa beginning Monday December 28. Broadly speaking, those who have already obtained a visa are allowed to enter the country – with conditions. More details here.
Please note that the situation is volatile and policies may change from time to time. Check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for the latest information.
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