Latest border measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)
Information about entering into Japan
- New entry of foreign nationals
Based on the New Border measures (27), from 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, new entry of foreign nationals into Japan under the supervision of receiving organizations is allowed, except for those for touristic purposes.
Eligible persons (who meet both of the following (1)and (2): (1) Foreign nationals newly entering Japan for a short-term stay (less than three months) for purposes including business and employment or foreign nationals newly entering Japan for a long-term stay.
(2) Foreign nationals staying for the purpose of the abovementioned category (1) who have receiving organizations for supervision located in Japan.
Required documents for the visa application (Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit.) : A certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS system obtained by a receiving organization through online application along with other visa application documents in response to the purpose of visit. (Please refer to “Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel” page for more details).
Receiving organizations means such companies or organizations which employ or invite the entrants for their business or entertainment purposes.
(Note) A certificate for completion of Registration to the ERFS system means a proof of document issued by ERFS of Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare after receiving organizations apply and register their entrant’s information online.
For further information of the New Border Measures (27), please refer to the paragraph 1 of “Phased Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel” page.
Please refer to 7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances below for further information. - Quarantine measures : Change of self-quarantine period after entry into Japan (New)
Based on New Border Measure (27), from 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, self-quarantine period and place of accommodation after their entry into Japan may be changed whether they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate, and , they enter/return from countries/regions of 3-days quarantine at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station.
Please see 3. Quarantine measures below for further information. - Suspension of visa validity
From 0:00 am (JST) December 2, 2021, as emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective against coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), validity of visas already issued by December 2, 2021 are suspended except for those issued for the holders of status of residence as “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Diplomat”. Please refer to 4. Suspension of visa validity below for further information.
- 1. Denial of permission to entry
- 2. Denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures (New)
- 3. Quarantine measures (New)
- 4. Suspension of visa validity
- 5. Suspension of visa exemption measures
- 6. Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival
- 7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances
1. Denial of permission to entry
For the time being, foreign nationals who have stayed in any of the following 159 countries/regions within 14 days prior to the application for landing are denied to enter Japan in pursuant to the Article 5, paragraph (1), item (xiv) of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, unless special exceptional circumstances are found. Note that foreigners (from the countries and regions where the entry bans do not apply) are not denied to enter Japan even when they arrive in Japan via those countries or regions, which are subject to denial of permission to entry, for refueling or transit purpose. Those who entered those countries or regions will, however, be subject to the entry ban.
.| Region | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|
| Asia | Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste |
| Oceania | Fiji |
| North America | Canada, United States of America |
| Latin America and the Caribbean | Argentine, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela |
| Europe | Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyz, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vatican |
| Middle East | Afghanistan, Bahrain, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates |
| Africa | Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Cabo Verde, Cameroon, Central Africa, Comoros, Cote d’lvoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tunisia, Zambia, Zimbabwe |
2. Denial of the re-entry from certain countries/regions among designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures (New)
The re-entry into Japan of foreign nationals with status of residence who have stayed in designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variants of special treatment on border measures within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied for the time being unless there are special exceptional circumstances.
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| – | – | None |
(Note 1) subject countries and regions of the measures designated on and after September 18, 2021 will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.
(Note 2) Foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Permanent Resident”, “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Long Term Resident”, who have departed Japan with Re-entry Permission by the next day of the designation mentioned in (Note1) above with intent to re-entry into Japan from those countries/regions mentioned in (Note 1) above, are treated, in principle, as persons in special exceptional circumstances. Foreign nationals with the status “Special Permanent Resident” are not within the scope of this entry ban.
0:00 am (JST) 2 days after the designation mentioned in (Note 1) above and arrive in Japan after this time.
According to the above measure, when foreign nationals, who departed from Japan with a re-entry permit before August 31, 2020 and who were not permitted to re-enter Japan because the validity period of the re-entry permission expired after the country/regions of stay was designated an area subject to denial of landing and, have already obtained a visa based on the newly issued Certificate of Eligibility (COE), they will be subject to denial of landing for the time being if they have stayed in those designated countries/regions mentioned in (Note 1) above within 14 days prior to the application for landing.
3. Quarantine measures (New)
The current quarantine measures are strengthened as followings.
From 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, self-quarantine period after their entry into Japan is changed. All cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to follow-up checks conducted by the Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants (HCO) and to refrain from using public transportation for 7 days in principle. In addition, based on whether they enter/return from countries/regions of 3-days quarantine at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station, and they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate (validity of which is certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare(MHLW)) (hereinafter referred to as “vaccination certificate”), the measures may be relaxed.
These measures are decided to remain in place until further notice.
(1) Reinforced quarantine measures
From March 19, 2021, all travelers including Japanese nationals have to submit a certificate of negative test result conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay when entering Japan. Those who do not submit a certificate of negative test result will be denied entry into Japan in accordance with the Quarantine Act. Airline companies will reject boarding those without one. Please consult with Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan in case it is truly difficult to obtain the certificate of negative test result.
From January 8, 2021, all those who enter, re-enter or return to Japan (including Japanese nationals) are also subject to conducting of COVID-19 test upon arrival no matter whether arriving from the countries/regions designated as an area subject to denial of permission to enter Japan or not until further notice.
From January 14, 2021 until further notice, all Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with the status of residence are also required to pledge to be in quarantine at home or other designated areas, retain the location data, and provide it to the health centers or other institutions, if requested. (If separate quarantine measures are to be taken, those also need to be pledged.) They are required to sign and submit the Written Pledge (PDF) when entering Japan. In case of violation, they may be subject to detention under Quarantine Act and the following shall apply:
(ⅰ) For Japanese nationals, names and other information that contribute to preventing the spread of infection may be made public.
(ⅱ) For foreign nationals with the status of residence, names, nationalities, and other information that contribute to preventing the spread of infection may be made public. They may also be subject to the revocation of status of residence and procedures for deportation under Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law. Those who do not submit the “Written Pledge” are requested to stay at a location designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (only at the accommodation booked by the quarantine office).
From 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022, self-quarantine period after entry into Japan is changed.
For all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions where the B.1.1.529 Omicron variant becomes dominant (all countries/regions except for those where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant), the length of period when they are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to refrain from using public transportation is changed from which countries/regions they enter/return, as well as, whether they obtain a valid COVID-19 vaccination certificate.
| Vaccination certificates | Home quarantine period and other measures after entry into Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| From designated countries/regions subject to the measures (17) | No | 3-day quarantine at a specific facility designated by the chief of the quarantine station(+negative test result (PCR test) at the facility) |
| Yes | 3-day home quarantine+ negative result of a voluntary test or 7-day home quarantine without test | |
| From countries/regions other than designated countries/regions subject to the measures (17) | No | |
| Yes | Home quarantine and other measures are not required |
Based on New Border Measures (26), countries/regions where COVID-19 variants other than the Omicron variant become dominant are to be specified separately. For all cross-border travelers and returnees from the specified countries/regions, the length of period when they are required to self-quarantine in places such as their own residence or accommodations after their entry into Japan, to follow-up checks conducted by the HCO and to refrain from using public transportation is 14 days.
(2) Reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529).
Taking such elements as knowledge of coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, the following countries/regions will be designated as countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529);
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| Israel, Italy, the UK, Germany, Denmark, France are removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. | ||
| November 30, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 1, 2021 | Sweden |
| December 1, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 2, 2021 | Korea, Switzerland State of Sao Paulo (Brazil) is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. |
| Norway is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. | ||
| December 13, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 14, 2021 | Pakistan |
| Lebanon is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. | ||
| December 20, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 21, 2021 | Peru |
| December 21, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 22, 2021 | Egypt |
| December 22, 2021, | 0:00 am (JST) on December 23, 2021 | Russia |
| Canada is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. | ||
| United Arab Emirates is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. | ||
| January 11, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 12, 2022 | Turkey |
| January 14, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 15, 2022 | India, Nepal, Mexico, Maldives |
| January 28, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 29, 2022 | Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mongolia |
| February 2, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 3, 2022 | Cambodia, State of Parana (Brazil), Jordan |
| February 10, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 11, 2022 | Iraq, Indonesia, Myanmar Albania is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. |
| February 17, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 18, 2022 | Iran, Singapore Oman is removed from designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529) from 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022. |
| March 2, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022 | Viet Nam |
(3) Reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures.
Taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, the following additional measures will be implemented as designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures according to separate designation based on this measure;
(i) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 10 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of all COVID-19 tests conducted on the third, sixth and tenth days from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities.
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| None |
(ⅱ) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions, are requested, for the time being, to stay for 6 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station). In addition, those who obtain negative results of both COVID-19 tests conducted on the third and sixth days from the entry into Japan, may leave from facilities secured by the Quarantine Station, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as their own residence.
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| None |
(iii) All cross-border travelers and returnees from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions are requested, for the time being, to stay for 3 days at specific facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station (limited to the accommodations facilities designated by the chief of the quarantine station). If the test result (PCR test) at the facility on the third day after the entry is negative, home quarantine after leaving the facility is no longer required. Meanwhile, those who have obtained a valid vaccination certificate will be allowed to have 7-day home quarantine instead, and if they submit a negative result of a voluntary test (PCR test or Quantitative Antigen test) on or after the third day from the entry into Japan, home quarantine is no longer required only after the MHLW(Health Monitoring Center for Overseas Entrants) confirms the test result via MySOS app. (Please see 3. (1) Reinforced quarantine measures)
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| December 1, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 3, 2021 | Switzerland All cross border travelers and returnees from State of Sao Paulo (Brazil) arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. |
| All cross border travelers and returnees from Lebanon arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. | ||
| December 20, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 23, 2021 | Peru |
| All cross border travelers and returnees from Israel arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. | ||
| December 22, 2021 | 0:00 am (JST) on December 25, 2021 | Russia |
| All cross border travelers and returnees from Canada arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. | ||
| All cross border travelers and returnees from United Arab Emirates arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. | ||
| January 11, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 14, 2022 | Turkey |
| January 14, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 17, 2022 | India, Mexico, Maldives |
| January 28, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on January 31, 2022 | Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Mongolia |
| February 2, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 5, 2022 | Cambodia, State of Parana (Brazil), Jordan |
| February 10, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 11, 2022 | Korea |
| February 10, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 13, 2022 | Iraq, Indonesia, Myanmar All cross border travelers and returnees from Albania arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. |
| February 17, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on February 20, 2022 | Iran, Singapore All cross border travelers and returnees from Oman arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. |
| February 24, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on March 1, 2022 | Uzbekistan, Egypt, Sweden, Nepal, Pakistan All cross border travelers and returnees from Italy, the UK, Denmark, Germany, Norway, France arriving after 0:00 am (JST) on March 3, 2022, are not subject to the above mentioned quarantine measures. |
| March 2, 2022 | 0:00 am (JST) on March 5, 2022 | Viet Nam |
(4) Reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions in response to COVID-19 infection other than coronavirus variants of special treatment on border measures.
With regard to countries/regions other than countries/regions based on the designation mentioned in (2) above, taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive assessment of the risk of inflow of the coronavirus from each country/region, all cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions judged with high risk of inflow of COVID-19are requested, for the time being, to stay 3 days at facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited only to those facilities secured by the Quarantine Station) as “designated countries/regions in response to coronavirus infection other than COVID-19variants of special treatment on border measures” according to the separate designation based on this measure. In addition, those who obtain a negative result of COVID-19 test conducted on the third day from the entry into Japan, may leave the facilities, but are still required to stay for the remaining period of 7 days after the entry into Japan at places such as own residence.
| Designated Date | Date of Commencing quarantine measures | Countries/Regions |
|---|---|---|
| None |
(Note 1) Subject countries and regions of the measures will be designated and confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The designation is duly announced.
(Note 2) The above-mentioned quarantine measures will be applied to those entering Japan who have stayed within 14 days in the designated countries and regions.
From 0:00 am (JST) December 10, 2021, taking such elements as knowledge of COVID-19 variants of special treatment on border measures, epidemic situation in each country/region, risk assessment of current situation of inflow of the COVID-19 to Japan, and efficacy of the vaccination among others into account, and judged from a comprehensive risk assessment of inflow of coronavirus from each country/region, you are exempt from the 3 days/6 days stay at the government-designated accommodation if you are entering from the “designated countries/regions” (excluding countries/regions in response to coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529)), whose travelers are required to stay for 3 days/6 days at the government designated accommodation. However, you still need to stay at home or in the place you’re staying for 7 days quarantine period.
4. Suspension of visa validity
From 0:00 am (JST) December 2, 2021, as emergency precautionary measure from a preventive perspective against coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529), validity of visas already issued by December 2, 2021 are suspended except for the status of residence of “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Diplomat”.This measure does not apply to foreign nationals who departed from overseas before 00:00 am (JST) on December 2, 2021 and arrive in Japan after the time.
As for visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” and visas issued based on “New border measures (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1), for the time being, validity of those visas have been suspended from 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021 based on the announcement of the Government of Japan dated on January 13, 2021.
Validity of visas listed below are suspended for the time being
- (1) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 8th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies or Consulates General in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) and Republic of Korea
- (2) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 20th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General in the following countriesRegionCountries/RegionsEuropeAndorra, Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, VaticanMiddle EastIranAfricaEgypt
- (3) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by March 27th, 2020 by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General in the following countriesRegionCountries/RegionsAsiaBrunei, Indonesia (note), Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam Note: including seal of “visa wavier registration certificate”Middle EastBahrain, Israel, QatarAfricaDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- (4) Single and multiple-entry visas issued by April 2nd, 2020, by Japanese Embassies and Consulates General located in or accredited to the following countries and regionsRegionCountries/RegionsAsiaBangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Laos, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Timor-LesteOceaniaCook, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon, Tonga, Tuvalu, VanuatuLatin America and the CaribbeanAntigua and Barbuda, Argentine, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guyana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, VenezuelaEuropeAzerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, UzbekistanMiddle EastAfghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates (note), Yemen Note: including seal of “visa wavier registration certificate”AfricaAlgeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles , Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe
5. Suspension of visa exemption measures
As visa exemption measures with the countries and regions listed below are temporarily suspended, those who fall under the measures are required to obtain visas before visiting Japan. Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan have been newly added to the list (1) and (2) below. The measures will be in place for the time being.
- (1) Visa exemption measures agreed with Japan and the following countries and regionsRegionCountries/RegionsAsiaBangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet NamOceaniaAustralia, Nauru, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, SolomonLatin America and the CaribbeanArgentine, Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, UruguayEuropeAndorra, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, VaticanMiddle EastIsrael, Iran, Oman, Qatar, United Arab EmiratesAfricaLesotho, Tunisia
- (2) The effect of Pre-Clearances (i.e. visa exemptions) granted by the Japanese Government to APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) issued by the following countries and regions is also suspended.RegionCountries/RegionsAsiaBrunei, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Viet NamOceaniaAustralia, New Zealand, Papua New GuineaLatin America and the CaribbeanMexico, PeruEuropeRussia
6. Restrictions on airport/ports for arrival
The Government of Japan (GOJ) announced the following measures (1) and (2) on March 5, 2020, and (3) on April 1, 2020. These measures will be in place for the time being.
- (1) The Government of Japan restricts arrival airports for passenger flights from China or Republic of Korea to Narita International Airport and Kansai International Airport only and requests the airlines concerned to conform this restriction. Based on the announcement of the GOJ on September 25, 2020, the incremental relaxation of the limitation on the number of arrival airports for passenger aircraft being implemented for the time being will be considered in light of the conditions including testing capacities upon arrival of each airport. The relaxation will be implemented once such conditions are met at each airport.
- (2) The Government of Japan suspends passenger transportation departing from China or Republic of Korea by vessels and requests related companies to conform this suspension.
- (3) Requesting airlines concerned to curb the number of arrival passengers to Japan by such measures as reducing the number of passenger arrival flights in order to ensure the appropriate implementation of quarantine measures. In order to securing smooth return to Japan of Japanese citizens or overseas travelers wishing to return, a proper care, including providing information and sending advisories, will be taken.
- (4) The measures will be in place for the time being
7. Entry of foreign nationals with special exceptional circumstances
Currently, all foreign nationals who wish to newly enter Japan need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit. Please note that due to the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the visa approval procedure may take longer than usual. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.
Foreign nationals who are entitled to enter Japan as those with special exceptional circumstances are required to apply for an appropriate visa at Embassies or Consulates or Consular Office of Japan (for Taiwan, Taipei Kaohsiung offices of Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association)(hereinafter referred as “Japan’s overseas establishments”) in your country/region.
Please see this page for the information about the visa application.
Please note that the certificate of negative test result (PDF)
of pre-departure COVID-19 test conducted within 72 hours prior to departing from the country/region where travelers stay is required for foreign nationals to enter Japan, with special exceptional circumstances, in addition to obtaining a valid visa.
Related Links
Source:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html
Photo credit:
Business photo created by 4045 – www.freepik.com
