Hello, this is Ito of IMS Legal Professional Corporation. From the end of last week to the beginning of this week, a cold wave has blanketed Japan with colder than usual weather, and some areas were severely impacted by heavy snowfall. In addition, another cold wave is expected next week according to the forecast.
State of Emergency
The spread of COVID-19 in Japan shows no signs of stopping, and on January 7, a State of Emergency was declared for the metropolitan area and three prefectures (Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, and Kanagawa) beginning January 8. This week, seven more prefectures were added to the list, including three prefectures in Kansai (Osaka, Hyogo, Kyoto), two prefectures in Tokai (Aichi, Gifu), and Fukuoka and Tochigi. There is a possibility that this list will expand to other areas in the future. In addition, the mutant strain of COVID found overseas has also made its way to Japan, and the outlook for the future remains unclear.
Temporary Suspension of New Entries to Japan
Since the appearance of the mutant strain in the UK and South Africa, Japan has temporarily suspended new entries from all countries and regions beginning at the end of December. Previously, entry via the residence and business tracks were not restricted (ending January 12). However, as announced on January 13, entry from countries and regions under bilateral agreements was also restricted starting January 21.
Even if you are allowed to enter Japan after January 14, you will be required to submit a written pledge, quarantine yourself for 14 upon arrival, and submit a certificate of negative test results within 72 hours before leaving Japan using a designated method. The pledge must be made using the form which was updated on January 8.
More Information
・Landing refusal measures related to the spread of the new coronavirus infection and Status of resumption of international traffic (summary) - Japanese | Google Translate (English)
・Phased Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel
Although there is a possibility of extension, the current entry restrictions are set to last until February 7. February 7 is also the same day as the end of the state of emergency. We hope that the coronavirus will be under control as soon as possible so that everyone can come to Japan as scheduled.
For more information, please contact us below ↓
https://imsvisa.support/en/contact/
