Hello, this is Shimoyama of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. Ever since border closings due to the coronavirus pandemic On September 25, 2020, the Japanese government announced that beginning October 1, foreigners with Student and Dependent visas, in addition to business visa categories, will be allowed to enter Japan.
Expansion of those who can newly enter Japan
Source: Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters, Issue #43
(https://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/singi/novel_coronavirus/th_siryou/sidai_r020925.pdf, Japanese only)
- The "Residence Track" (*1), which is available for business visa categories from foreigners in countries/regions where the coronavirus spread is under acceptable levels, will now permit other visa status holders to enter Japan beginning October 1. This includes Student and Dependent visas.
- Also beginning from October 1, new entries into Japan will be permitted for all countries/regions similar to above. However, companies/organizations must submit a Pledge stating that they will follow coronavirus countermeasures (*2). The number of entries into Japan will be limited.
Notes
(*1) On June 18, 2020, the Government of Japan (GOJ) announced “Phased Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel” (Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters, Issue #38) whereby it intends to establish a special quota pertaining to cross-border business travelers and others for entry into and departure from Japan, that operates separately from general procedures for cross-border travelers. Host companies/organizations must pledge to additional coronavirus countermeasures, including a 14-day self-quarantine after entering Japan.
※ This agreement started with the 9 countries/regions of Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, Singapore and Brunei. Negotiations are underway with seven additional countries/regions: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Macau and Mongolia.
(*2) The host company/organization must make a commitment through a written pledge that the invited foreigner will follow coronavirus countermeasures such as: pre-departure inspection certificate (only for areas subject to immigration refusal), self-quarantine for 14 days immediately after entering Japan, and not using public transportation.
※ Specific details are not written in this guidance, so we contacted the Immigration Bureau of Japan. However, the answer was, "Details are still undecided."
Updates
The Ministry of Justice website updated September 28 with the following information.
- Status of resumption of international traffic (summary) (as of September 28)
Details: http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001326711.pdf (Japanese) (English, Google Translate) - Regarding refusal of landing to prevent the spread of COVID-19 disease (as of September 28)
Main information page
Details: http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001329914.pdf (English)
Regarding this matter, I think there will be some official information by October 1st when the operation starts. We will let you know if there are any updates.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
