Japan: Authorities to ban entry for foreign nationals from Dec. 28 due to new COVID-19 variant. /update 38

Event

Japan will ban the entry of foreign nationals into the country Dec. 28-Jan 31, 2021 due to a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant. Only Japanese nationals and resident foreign nationals will be permitted to return during this period. Furthermore, visas issued since Oct. 1 will not be honored. Officials will require returning citizens and residents to undergo self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival in the country. In addition, since Dec. 27, they must present a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours of departure to be permitted to self-quarantine; those without documentation may have to stay at designated quarantine facilities.

Domestic Measures
Separately, the central government is maintaining some nationwide restrictions due to persistent COVID-19 activity. Authorities are limiting sporting and entertainment venues to 50-percent capacity up to a maximum of 10,000 people. Some smaller venues and theaters can operate at full capacity. Business activity is mainly unaffected nationwide, but companies must adhere to social distancing directives. Some organizations have reduced capacity at facilities, established temperature checks, or encourage telecommuting for employees. Officials have warned of reissuing targeted state of emergency declarations for areas with rising COVID-19 transmission, and enhanced restrictions are possible in the coming days.

Several prefectural and municipal governments have raised their COVID-19 alert levels; Tokyo remains at the highest alert level due to increasing COVID-19 activity in the capital. Most governments request that nonessential, high-risk businesses, such as restaurants and bars, close early. In some locations, authorities have asked residents to stay home as much as possible and refrain from intercity travel. While such measures are not mandatory, compliance with government requests is generally high. More prefectural governments could alter alert levels and request related business or movement restrictions in areas where COVID-19 activity increases.

Sporadic rail and flight disruptions remain possible nationwide amid generally reduced demand, especially in hard-hit areas. Physical distancing requirements are in place on most long-distance transport services. 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 commercial flight disruptions will probably continue in the coming weeks, possibly months, due to decreased demand amid travel restrictions. Authorities continue to suspend international passenger ferry services.

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.

Exercise basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

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