Japan Updates Quarantine Requirements

In adanvce of the upcoming Summer Olympic Games, no foreign nationals are allowed new entry into Japan. Residents will be allowed entry to Japan, as it is re-entry, not new entry. Foreign nationals with residence status in Japan who have been in countries/regions with high concern of coronavirus variant (B.1.617 – the Delta variant) within 14 days prior to the application for landing will be denied for the time being unless there are special exceptional circumstances.

This entry ban applies to India, Pakistan, Nepal from May 14, 2021; Maldives and Bangladesh from May 20, 2021; Sri Lanka from May 21, 2021; Afghanistan from June 3, 2021.

Foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Permanent Resident,” “Spouse or Child of a Japanese National,” “Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident” or “Long Term Resident”, who have visited the above countries will be treated as special exceptions. Foreign nationals with the status “Special Permanent Resident” are not within the scope of this entry ban.

What to Expect When Entering Japan

All travelers must have the following upon entry:

  • A copy of Written Pledge pledged by GoGlobal submitted in the entry visa application to the consulate
  • Proof of medical insurance throughout the time of stay in Japan (to produce only if specifically requested)
  • Negative COVID-19 test result certificate from a test taken within 72-hour of pre-departure 
    • Travelers will be required to test negative on arrival 
  • Additional second  Written Pledge(Note: this was updated on May 12 and released on May 14)
What to Expect Upon Arrival
  • Online submission of Questionnaire to the quarantine office on arrival
  • A 14-day quarantine
    • No use of public transportation for the 14-day quarantine.
    • Completing a health status report via the traveler’s cell phone every day of the quarantine.

 

Quarantine Requirements

All travelers, no matter where they are arriving from, are required to quarantine for 14 days either at a personal residence or designated location.

In response to spreading virus variants, Japan’s government has reinforced quarantine measures for all the travelers who enter, re-enter or return to Japan from designated countries/regions with coronavirus B.1.617 family (Delta variant). 

  1. Japanese and Foreign nationals arriving from designated countries/regions with coronavirus variant (B.1.617) are requested to stay for 3 days at designated quarantine facilities and then required to take a COVID-19 test on the third day. Travelers who test negative may leave the facility and complete the 14 day quarantine at home.
    • Countries/ regions subject to the quarantine measures mentioned in (1.) above:
      • From May 21, 2021 and current: Ireland, Netherlands, Greece, France, Jordan
      • From May 28, 2021 and current: Kazakhstan, Tunisia, Denmark
      • From June 4, 2021 and current: US states Arizona,  Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Montana, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island; Thailand, Germany
      • From June 14 and current: US states Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Washington; Belgium, Latvia.
  2. Cross-border travelers and returnees from countries/regions of high concern are requested to stay at designated quarantine facilities and then required to take a COVID-19 test on the third and sixth days. Travelers who test negative may leave the facility and complete the 14 day quarantine at home.
    • Countries/ regions subject to the quarantine measures mentioned in (2.) above:
      • From June 4, 2021 and current: Vietnam, Malaysia
      • From June 7, 2021 and current: the United Kingdom
      • From June 14, 2021 and current: Egypt
  3. Cross-border travelers and returners from some of the countries/regions which are separately listed among the designated countries/regions with ”coronavirus variant confirmed for the first time in India” are requested to stay for 10 days at designated quarantine facilities and then required to take a COVID-19 test on day 3, 6, and 10. Travelers who test negative may leave the facility and complete the 14 day quarantine at home. More information.
    • Countries/ regions subject to the quarantine measures mentioned in (3.) above:
      • From May 28, 2021 and current: India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Maldives
      • From June 4, 2021 and current: Afghanistan
      • From June 14, 2021 and current: Bangladesh

All Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with residence status o are requested to stay for 3 days at designated facilities. On the third day, they are required to take the COVID-19 test again. Travelers who test negative may leave the facility and complete the 14 day quarantine at home.

It is expected that Japan will end its current state of emergency on June 20, 2021. Despite the end of the state of emergency, it is expected that the border will remain closed until after the forthcoming Olympic Games. 

 

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to send updates as more news is available. If you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions, please contact your employer or EIG attorney.