How to apply for Japan Entry

[Ktan89]

Japan Entry - Business travel drops to 3days quarantine.
Anyone looked into this yet?
I can't find any information on the official rules or where to apply. unless it is all in Japanese...

 

[Batterytraveller]

MOFA hasn't updated their English page since before the announcement but here is the PDF from the ministry of health (in japanese of course, no English one so far)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000851857.pdf

Couldn't be more simple?

there's a reasnoble summary in this (paywalled) Japan times article

Bureaucracy blunts impact of Japan's eased border controls

While lauded by companies and students as a step towards access to Japan, the easing of travel rules may not be as good as it sounds.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Essentially how it works

1. Japanaese company applies to local ministry of health for a permit for the business traveller - has to state where they will quarantine for the first 3 days and an exact schedule for what the business traveller will be doing for the next 10 days - where they will stay, eat, meeting etc.
2. Once they have this they can issue an invite letter with the permit and the details above
3. Consulate can then issue a visa
4. Test Pre Travel - JAL appear to be using Verifly now
5. Arrive in Japan -Test on Arrival
6. Do 3 days quarantine - if you test neg on day 3 you are allowed out to do your 10 day plan
7. No idea how strictly they will enforce plan compliance but assume it will be either very strict or completely non-existent
8. Test on day 10 - if you are negative then I believe you are allowed to do what you like from then on.

 

[Ktan89]

Just read this today.
What are the chances a bubble is going to open before 23rd December?

Australia surging ahead with plan to include TWO more countries in travel bubble

Australian PM Scott Morrison says an ambitious travel plan could be brought into place before the year is out.

7news.com.au

I don't know if I should keep my OWA booking and see how it goes or change it now because there are flights available for PLAN B.

 

[Batterytraveller]

Just read this today.
What are the chances a bubble is going to open before 23rd December?

Australia surging ahead with plan to include TWO more countries in travel bubble

Australian PM Scott Morrison says an ambitious travel plan could be brought into place before the year is out.

7news.com.au

I don't know if I should keep my OWA booking and see how it goes or change it now because there are flights available for PLAN B.

This seems like wishful thinking on the part of the Australian government. I have not seen anything in the japanese media that suggests this is being worked on.

The japanese cabinet secretary has promised to make a further announcement on immigration, including tourism before the end of the year. If I had to guess, though, the first tourists to come in will have to travel on very controlled and organised tours, as with the restrictions placed on business travelers above, and the strict quarantine requirements for students and trainees.

I could be wrong, and would like to be, I’d really like to be there before the end of February. The airlines, naturally are pushing for a faster transition.

ANA chief urges Japan to boost travel during COVID-19 lull | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

www.asahi.com

 

[Batterytraveller]

For anyone holding their breath on Japan reopening, this picture tells a story.

7 Cases nationwide, all in Tokyo, which will provide lots of ammunition to those who would like to keep the borders shut, hopefully more sensible heads will prevail. (NB Testing only just became free in Japan so case numbers are a massive underestimate).

 

[Batterytraveller]

"While the government is continuing to suspend the entry of tourists, it will also consider allowing in tour groups after reviewing how their activities can be controlled and monitored, officials have said."

Japan to allow 5,000 entrants daily under eased COVID restrictions - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan is set to further ease entry restrictions introduced amid the coronavirus pandemic, allowing up to 5,000 people to enter the co

mainichi.jp

 

[Ktan89]

Thanks @Batterytraveller
Safe to say they won't open borders this Christmas then and if there is a "bubble" it will be for Japanese students, etc to come here.

 

[Batterytraveller]

Not a bubble but australia reopening to temporary migrants is getting good press on Japan.

(Good news for my japanese tutor because she will be able to return to Japan and come back on her student visa)

Australia to welcome vaccinated foreign students, workers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

www.asahi.com

 

[encryptededdy]

Not a bubble but australia reopening to temporary migrants is getting good press on Japan.

(Good news for my japanese tutor because she will be able to return to Japan and come back on her student visa)

Australia to welcome vaccinated foreign students, workers | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

www.asahi.com

Even better - she doesn't actually need a student visa, it looks like vaccinated citizens of Japan and South Korea will also be allowed in without quarantining

 

[auriga]

So it is sounding like a one-way bubble?

 

[Batterytraveller]

So it is sounding like a one-way bubble?

Sure looks like it.

Department of Home Affairs Website

Home Affairs brings together Australia's federal law enforcement, national and transport security, criminal justice, emergency management, multicultural affairs, settlement services and immigration and border-related functions, working together to keep Australia safe.

covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au

 

[Batterytraveller]

That didn't last long

Japan to ban new foreign arrivals from across globe from Tues. - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Nov. 29 announced that Japan would ban the entry of all foreigners in principle in response to the spread of

mainichi.jp

 

[Ktan89]

That didn't last long

Japan to ban new foreign arrivals from across globe from Tues. - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Nov. 29 announced that Japan would ban the entry of all foreigners in principle in response to the spread of

mainichi.jp

At least I've got closure now..

 

[Batterytraveller]

Well this is depressing

Poll finds 89% in Japan back Kishida’s ban on new foreign arrivals

The Yomiuri poll also found support for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party up slightly at 41%.

www.japantimes.co.jp

 

[jrfsp]

Japan extends COVID entry ban until end of February

Kishida aims to speed up boosters versus omicron; SDF to open jab centers again

asia.nikkei.com