Japan: Authorities tighten entry restrictions for several African countries as of Nov. 27 due to new COVID-19 variant /update 64

Event

Authorities have tightened entry restrictions for travelers arriving from several African countries as of Nov. 27 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. Travelers from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe must quarantine at government-designated facilities for at least 10 days and undergo three COVID-19 tests. Individuals who test negative can undergo self-quarantine for the remainder of the 14-day quarantine period. Officials may amend restrictions on short notice in the coming weeks as new cases of the COVID-19 variant emerge in other countries.

International Travel Restrictions
Japan continues to ban foreign nationals from entering the country for tourism; however, foreigners with legal resident status or approved purposes like business are allowed. Officials may also permit some nonresident foreigners to enter under exceptional circumstances. Officials require entrants to present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure. The government does not permit people who cannot undergo testing to board flights or enter Japan. Exceptions may be possible in some circumstances, but affected passengers must contact their local Japanese diplomatic mission before departure.

Flights from South Korea and China are only authorized to land at Narita International Airport (NRT) and Kansai International Airport (KIX). Transit flights for foreign nationals are only allowed through NRT. International passenger ferry services remain suspended.

Inbound passengers with a negative test result can self-quarantine for 14 days. However, authorities mandate that travelers from some locations quarantine at government-designated facilities for three, six, or 10 days before entering self-quarantine for the remaining period. Individuals in quarantine must return a negative COVID-19 test result before departing government-designated facilities. For a complete list of affected locations and quarantine requirements, click here. Fully vaccinated arrivals with the AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, or Moderna vaccines and a Japanese-issued or recognized "vaccine passport" must quarantine for up to 10 days at their residence and test negative before leaving quarantine.

Returning residents must complete a pledge to abide by quarantine orders, maintain location data on their mobile phones, and refrain from using public transport for the first 14 days in the country, depending on vaccination status. Entrants must also download the OSSMA, Skype, and COVID-19 Contact Confirming Application (COCOA) mobile applications. People who refuse may have to quarantine at designated facilities. Officials could publicly name citizens and foreign residents who violate quarantine orders; foreign nationals could also lose their residence status.

Japan allows entry applications from organizations for some fully vaccinated arrivals. The relaxation applies to returnees and entrants on trips for business, education, and technical traineeship who are fully vaccinated with a Japanese-issued or approved inoculation. Permitted travelers must quarantine for three days at an approved accommodation and return a negative COVID-19 test. They must also undergo health monitoring and follow a pre-approved itinerary until an additional negative COVID-19 test result is returned 10 days after arrival. However, those entering from high-risk locations requiring a 6- or 10-day institutional quarantine remain barred.

Domestic Restrictions
Officials allow capacity at sports and entertainment venues to 50 percent. Companies must adhere to social distancing protocols. Some organizations have reduced capacity at facilities, established temperature checks, or encouraged telecommuting for employees. Sporadic rail and flight disruptions remain possible nationwide amid generally reduced demand, especially on routes to and from areas under state of emergency orders. Physical distancing requirements are in place on most long-distance transport services. While local governments may enforce measures according to disease activity, most establishments that adhere to antivirus protocols in areas including Tokyo, Osaka, and their surrounding prefectures can remain open until 20:00.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Postpone travel if affected by an entry ban. Allow additional time for immigration and health screenings. Consider delaying travel if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Confirm international flight reservations. Closely monitor national travel advisories, as additional restrictions to and from Japan are likely. Consider telecommuting options for staff. Make allowances for likely increased employee absenteeism and related business disruptions.

Resources

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Japan National Tourism Organization