photo by Kentaro IEMOTO
The omicron variant which was first found in South Africa. It is said that the omicron variant spreads faster than ever, or its symptoms are milder than other variants, though, its full view is still unclear. Countries that eased their border controls thanks to the increased vaccination rates have been in a tense situation again. As Japan didn’t implement strict border protection measures during the spread of the delta variant, the number of active cases soared up. Therefore, this time, the government announced a ban of new entries of foreign nationals immediately. This measure is planned to last until the end of December 2021; however, the period is likely to be extended.
Person who is permitted to enter Japan
Until further announcement, new entries of foreign nationals will be banned. Only people who meet the following conditions are permitted to enter Japan at present.
- Japanese passport holder
- Foreign national returning to Japan (person who stayed in particular countries/region are prohibited)
- Foreign national who is under a special exceptional circumstance to newly enter Japan
Special exceptional circumstances
New entries of foreign nationals are banned, but they may be permitted to enter Japan only if they are under special exceptional circumstances. But what can be special exceptional circumstances?
- Foreign national who departed from Japan to a country/region that is designated as a country/region from which re-entry to Japan is banned, and couldn’t re-enter Japan before the expiry date their re-entry permission was expired after the country/region was designated as country/region from which re-entry to Japan is banned.
- Spouse or child of Japanese citizen
- Spouse or child of permanent resident of Japan who is separated from his/her family remaining in Japan
- Person with “diplomat” or “official” status of resident
- Person who has humanitarian reasons to enter Japan. E.g. the person wish to see his/her family in Japan who is terminally ill, the person need to accompany a person/people under age who enter/depart from Japan, etc.
- Person who has publicly important reason. E.g. COVID-19 vaccination developer
Suspension of visa validity
As mentioned above, only “Japanese citizens”,” foreign nationals returning to Japan” and “foreign national who is under a special exceptional circumstance” are permitted to enter Japan at the moment. Presently, all issued visas other than “spouse of Japanese citizen”, “spouse of permanent resident” and “diplomat” are temporary suspended until further notice, as a measure of infection prevention. Check the website of Minister of Foreign Affairs for countries/regions that are subject to visa suspension.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html
Denial of visa waiver
Japan normally implements a special measure for many countries that such country’s passport holders can remain in Japan up to 90days without visa. Though, this special treatment is now suspended until further notice. Despite that you need to obtain a visa to come to Japan, obtaining a valid visa is very difficult at the moment. You will have to wait a little longer to travel to Japan for holiday. Check the website of Minister of Foreign Affairs for countries/regions that are subject to denial of visa waver.
Enforced quarantine measures
Presently, the Japanese government takes enforced quarantine measured, including self-isolation after arrival to Japan, according to the latest situation of the omicron variant. Many countries have eased their border control measures against COVID-19, but Japan still requires 14-day self-isolation for everyone. In addition, travelers from countries/regions are required to stay in a quarantine facility designated by the Public Health Center (for 3-10 days) immediately after their arrival in Japan, and to have PCR test every 3 days. Which procedure you should follow defers depending on the country/region you stayed and departed from. You can check the condition for each country/region on the website of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Stay safe in Japan!
The omicron variant which was first discovered in South Africa has already been reported many locations in Japan. 2021 ended with the coronavirus and 2022 started with the coronavirus. The major symptoms of the omicron variant infection and the difference from other variants are yet to be clarified, thus we have to be alerted. In December 2021, the government announced that Japan’s current border restrictions will be continued for a while. Also, the quarantine measures are to be carried on for further period, therefore, you should check the website of Minister of Foreign Affairs regularly.
