TOKYO – The Japanese government on Friday said it would require all travelers entering Japan to submit negative results from COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of their departure for the country during the period of the second state of emergency that was declared Thursday.
The new measure applies to those arriving in the country from Jan. 13 and remains effective until the emergency declaration is lifted after Feb. 7.
“As the Government of Japan (GOJ) declared the state of emergency under Act on Special Measures for Pandemic Influenza and New Infectious Diseases Preparedness and Response, all those who enter, re-enter, or return to Japan will be requested to submit a certificate of pre-entry COVID-19 testing result within 72 hours prior to departure and undergo a COVID-19 test upon arrival, until the lifting of the state of emergency,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry stated that all eligible travelers, including Japanese citizens and foreign nationals, must undergo another test upon arrival.
“Those who cannot submit the certificate of negative pre-entry COVID-19 testing result will be requested to stay at specific accommodation facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station,” it said.
“On the third day of the arrival to Japan, they will take the COVID-19 test again,” MOFA added.
Those who test negative will be requested to install the COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application (COCOA), leave the designated facility and self-quarantine at home for 11 days.
While an entry ban remains in place for 152 nations and regions, Japan allows entry of foreign residents at present. Business travelers and students from 11 Asian countries including China, South Korea and Taiwan are also currently allowed to enter under a special scheme. - Florenda Corpuz
