The Japanese government announced on Saturday that it will not allow entry of foreigners from all countries as it tries to prevent the spread of what is described as more contagious UK strain of the coronavirus.
According to a Nikkei report, only Japanese nationals and foreigners living in Japan will be allowed to return to the country. The order takes effect from December 28. All will be subject to a 14-day quarantine upon arrival.
Nonresident foreign nationals who had obtained visas before Monday will, in principle, be allowed into Japan. However, those who have stayed in Britain or South Africa within 14 days of applying for a visa will be barred entry.
The government said five people who have traveled from Britain were confirmed to be infected with the new strain. New entry from the UK and South Africa has already been suspended.
The ban and new restrictions start the same day the suspension of the government’s controversial Go To Travel domestic travel campaign begins. The program was designed to help Tokyo and regional economies that have been hit hard by the huge decline in tourism amid the pandemic. – BusinessNewsAsia.com