Japan Designates Entire Korea as Entry-Restricted Area

Prime Minister Abe Announces at COVID-19 Countermeasure Meeting... Effective from 0:00 on the 3rd
Includes South Korea, China, the US, Europe, and 48 Other Countries and Regions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] Japan has designated the entire territory of South Korea as a region subject to entry refusal.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stated at the COVID-19 task force meeting held on the 1st that 49 countries and regions, including South Korea, China, the United States, and most European countries, will be added to the list of entry refusal targets based on the Immigration Control Act.

As a result of this measure, the entry refusal area for South Korea has been expanded from some regions such as Daegu and Cheongdo to the entire country. This will be effective from 0:00 on the 3rd until the end of this month.

Under Japan's Immigration Control Act, foreigners who have stayed in the designated regions within the last two weeks are, in principle, not allowed to enter Japan.

With this measure, the number of countries and regions designated as entry refusal targets by the Japanese government has increased to 73, exceeding one-third of the world.

Prior to this, on the 31st of last month, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised the infectious disease risk information for the newly included 49 countries and regions to 'Level 3' (avoid travel), and for other regions worldwide to 'Level 2' (avoid unnecessary travel).

Prime Minister Abe also announced at the meeting that all entrants, regardless of their departure point, will be requested to quarantine for two weeks.

Accordingly, all people entering Japan from around the world, including Japanese nationals, must stay for two weeks at a location designated by the immigration office chief, such as their home or a hotel, without exception.

Furthermore, the use of public transportation such as trains and taxis when moving from the airport to the quarantine location is effectively prohibited.

The Japanese government had previously applied this measure limited to South Korea, China, the United States, and parts of Europe, but has now expanded it worldwide.

Meanwhile, according to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as of 6 a.m. on the 1st, the number of countries and regions restricting entry of travelers departing from Japan is 180, accounting for 92% of the 195 countries with which Japan has diplomatic relations.