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Japan to reopen borders for all foreign visitors with permits to stay in country

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There will be another lockdown which Japan cannot avoid...

I'm still waiting on the first lockdown.

33 ( +41 / -8 )

Theres fewer cases because since Suga came into office daily testing has dropped to less than 2000. Is this coincidence?

25 ( +28 / -3 )

The government is considering limiting the number of entries to about 1,000 each day. At the same time, it will increase virus testing capacity at airports, government sources said earlier.

A thousand a day? Thats 4 medium sized airplanes... for the entire country.

A month or so ago it was announced that they were building new testing and quarentine centers at the 3 main airports, with testing capacity of 5,000 expected.

These were suppose to open in September, but word on their status is unknown........

23 ( +24 / -1 )

PR can come back since September 1st.

But the biggest issue is to get a PCR test result 72 hours before departure. In my country, France, so many people take a test now, which does not need any doctor prescription, and laboratories are overcrowded. It seems the average time to get the result back is over 5 days, sometimes 10 days

18 ( +18 / -0 )

but excluding tourists

Yet Japanese are still free to come and go as they please. Must be they are immune to the virus.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

How generous of them. I for one will never forget their racist policies to ban us from returning

14 ( +27 / -13 )

Taking UK as an example, I'm pretty sure Japanese tourists can go there without any sort of hindrance. No prior testing needed. No quarantine. Nada. And the opposite? A PR from the UK trying to return to Japan will first have to get tested and get the results within 72hr of departure. On arrival, they will either have to rent a car, get a friend to pick them up, or waste money on a hotel for two weeks near the airport. Or walk the 100 miles back home. Is the Japanese government really helping out here or is this just lip service, designed to minimize the number of people coming?

13 ( +17 / -4 )

Calling Permanents Residents "visitors" says it all...

12 ( +17 / -5 )

in Sydney we have hardly an infections now and should be able to travel to Japan without a 14 day quarantine period.

You live in Sydney but you are not aware that you need special permission from the Australian government to leave Australia, which is simply not granted for many reasons especially not tourism. Furthermore there are no flights from Australia to Japan so you will have to take some expensive convoluted route to get to Japan . And then to get back to Australia, besides the mandatory 14 day hotel quarantine you must do and pay for on return, there is a big difficulty in getting flights because of the government cap in the number of Australians who can return.

The 14 day self quarantine in Japan is the least of your problems.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Noriahojanen

At re-entry, Japanese nationals also have to take the same process (test and self-isolation) as non-Japanese re-entry.

Maybe you are unaware?? but unlike Japanese, all foreign residents of Japan before returning, must take a PCR test and get the results to the local Embassy all within 72hrs of flying.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

After arrival, they have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days and avoid using public transportation during the period

If you are in self isolation why do they assume you are outside to take any sort of transport?

7 ( +11 / -4 )

Can we keep this thread’s theme to Japan’s policy on international travel?

Sure. Yet I wonder why the article had a couple paragraphs about:

"The government decided Friday that domestic trips to and from Tokyo will be included in its Go To Travel subsidy program from Oct 1."

Furthermore, that was Friday Sept 11th. Two weeks ago.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Japan’s society does not always function based on written laws.

The suggestions by government are enough to close businesses.

The state of emergency declared earlier this year had many businesses voluntarily restricting their activities.

Of course, there were no legal penalties for movement in the 7 or so prefectures affected.

However, the company I work for restricted activities along with salaries paid to staff.

So, ‘lockdowns’ as we can see in Australia or the UK cannot be enforced in Japan, the fallout from Japanese government decrees are very similar...

6 ( +10 / -4 )

If the economy is that important ramp up testing and procedures at airports and let's get this show on the road as soon as possible,

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Businesses who rely on favorable Japanese government action, or inaction, are likely to heed suggestions as edicts. This move by the government was likely done to start giving European and African students the chance to attend universities. And.... fill out labor shortages.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

How generous of them. I for one will never forget their racist policies to ban us from returning"

Yet, you are still living in Japan.

Yes. I have a family here. What do you want me to do?? Abandon my wife and 5 year old son and 2 year old daughter because of the government's racist Policy?? Is that your Answer??

Back to you.

5 ( +14 / -9 )

Missing the annual family trip to Japan this autumn.

Hopefully we can squeeze one in next spring...

5 ( +6 / -1 )

“To revitalize the economy, it is indispensable to ...”

( -_- ) ... ah, the economy, sure ... tell you something folks, if it wasn’t for the economy.........

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Referring to university students as visitors is very telling.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan.

I don't understand this sentence. What entities or organizations? I hold a spouse visa. Does that mean I can enter or not?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

As usual the wording leaves a TON to be desired.............

Does anyone think that those with PR can now LEAVE Japan & STILL return(with 14days stuck at home)......once again Japan a clear as MUD, so the norm I guess

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Funny, I couldnt be happier living in Japan.

The government have handled the situation is a balanced manner.

For me personally

Financial support has been generous,

Taxes are low, education is good, its safe and I am free to continue daily life.

4 ( +10 / -6 )

@Penfold

Thanks for info. I now acknowledge my ignorance about pre-departure testing (negative result). I don't find it necessary or reasonable, as pcr only gives a snapshot result with about 70% accuracy.

As far as I know the similar measure is imposed by some other countries such as Singapore, Taiwan, etc. Not sure about the case of permanent residents. Hopefully this point will be reviewed and modified.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Had a few posters stating the locals are getting a bit aggressive towards foreigners.

its totally apparent-for the last few months every time i travelled on the rail system there was at least 1 ossan gaping at me with evil intentions in every carriage (in the past i never experienced this-in the 22 years i have lived here

and today this Japanese with down syndrome confronted me!!!!

what the heck is going on with the locals......

3 ( +3 / -0 )

richard gallagher:

Are you simply unable to grasp the basics of what is happening. The 'continual harping' is by residents, not non-residents. I cannot think of any other major country which is barring foreign residents from returning. In the meanwhile, Japanese tourists with absolutely no links to European countries can go there with hardly any hurdles. Since September, foreign residents have been allowed to return to Japan, but do you know how difficult it is to get tested 72hrs before departure without symptoms? Do you know how much tests at private clinics can cost? Do you think many people want to spend more money being locked up in a hotel for two weeks?

Japan is also not just barring people from countries with a high incidence of infections. Taiwanese and Hong Kongers are not allowed here, and they have very very low rates compared to Japan.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

In Gunma Pref., of 70 % of all recent cases (10-16.9) are of foreigners.

群馬、コロナ新規感染の7割が外国人 習慣も影響か 啓発強化へ

And what was the numbet of foreigners and Japanese that took the test. I won't be surprised if the test was mandatory for foreigners and not for Japanese. Without numbets the the article is trying to spread xenophobia.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Theres fewer cases because since Suga came into office daily testing has dropped to less than 2000.

More testing means more infections, as you infer. Yet despite these infections not coming to light, people are still not dropping in the streets as the fear-mongers would have it. Indeed, the overall number of deaths is lower, so... is this really the scourge you make it out to be?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sakoku!

only another 200 odd years and they'll reopen to the world.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I think this is window dressing to make PR less unhappy. it’s theoretically possibly but functionally quite difficult.

In any event I won’t be traveling abroad anytime soon.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Christopher Lowery

What you say would only make sense if they didn't let anyone into the country, Japanese included. If there was a truly killer disease going around and your brother went out to visit a friend you wouldn't let him back in either, just like during the Plague in Europe hundreds of years ago.

Quite apart from the fact that you're more likely to be hit by a car or kill yourself than due off this stupid virus.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Suga govt only spread atmosphere that Suga does something.

Japan's quarantine is still insufficient.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I'm supposed to fly back in October, been away from the family since June, I'm excited! I know the restrictions have been tough and debatable whether fair or not but my kid has been in school since May and he and my wife go about their day as normal which is much much better than how it is in the US. I think Japan has done a good job overall during this horrible year. Looking forward to getting back there.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

For those who think Japan isn’t getting less foreigner friendly. Husband and I have just came back from an evening out in Kobe. Went to a couple of our regular places, no problem. Went to try out two new places, as is our habit, the first literally pushed us out the door of their near empty establishment making X shapes with their arms. Second place staff blanked us, even when we politely spoke to them. When we left both places Japanese came in after us and got the full ‘irasshimase’ and taken to a table. I don’t bother complaining anymore and had to restrain DH. Of course it’s happened before, but twice in one night - nah. A woman also moved seats on the train when I sat next to her.

Just nasty.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I would love to hear from those who successfully met the restrictions for those holding a zairyu card. The whole enchilada of getting a permission letter from their local Japanese embassy to securing a negative result on a PCR test within 72 hours of landing at the airport.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The headline is seriously misleading. 'Visitors' are visitors. They can't "stay" in a country. Sooner or later, they have to go. The so-called visitors identified in this article are no different from tourists, who, like me, get a 3-month visa when entering the country. That may not be 'permanent', like a student or businessperson, as the article alludes, but it's still a 'stay'. And I'll bet dollars to sushi that I come into contact with fewer people, as a tourist, than all those students and businesspeople. So, where's the logic? Buried in a Zen garden, I suppose.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Opening up is the right thing. Hopefully I can be back in Japan next year for a visit.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@nihonview: Australians can return no problems, airlines are cancelling flights and flying planes with only business class passengers and blaming Australian policy to why they cancelled. It's the airlines not Australian borders that are stopping them from coming come. Got $15,000 then no problems coming back. Yes it is still crap.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What are the conditions of self isolation?

when comparing countries it’s best to use per capita data

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This is just to free it up for Olympics athletes and fee-paying students. Small chance to provide a test result within 72 hours.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Cases all over the world are on the rise.

There will be another lockdown which Japan cannot avoid...

0 ( +20 / -20 )

@kurisupisu

Japan’s society does not always function based on written laws.

The suggestions by government are enough to close businesses...

You made some really good points with that whole comment that you made. And I heard that before on several occasions, and considering the nature of Japanese society, it does make perfect sense.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan. After arrival, they have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days and avoid using public transportation during the period.

Even though cleared at entry, incoming foreigners will have to comply with local prevention rules/customs such as "3C" avoidances. It is a challenging process of resettlement or adaptation.

In Gunma Pref., of 70 % of all recent cases (10-16.9) are of foreigners.

群馬、コロナ新規感染の7割が外国人 習慣も影響か 啓発強化へ

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/8b20ed2a6fc2b9e7a6c30a9a66690bff6ef1c146

Both hosts and international newcomers should cooperate with each other.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

OMG I'm SO overdue for an Onsen Trip, Open the Border again !

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Good news, I can go to Japan again,

The bad news is that the second outbreak of the British virus made me have to stay at home and can’t go anywhere, oh my god

0 ( +1 / -1 )

in Sydney we have hardly an infections now and should be able to travel to Japan without a 14 day quarantine period.

Shouldn't Australia allow its own citizens- who are overseas- come back to Australia first?

Coronavirus: 'We're Australian but we're trapped in the UK'

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-54279802

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan. After arrival, they have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days and avoid using public transportation during the period.

Well, that explains why they have been all these relaxings as of late. At first, I thought they were moving a little too fast, but considering that those restrictions are in, then actually, this is good.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Tom

Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan.

I don't understand this sentence. What entities or organizations? I hold a spouse visa. Does that mean I can enter or not?

Your case with a spouse visa has already been allowed for entry (on condition of compulsory testing and self-quarantine at arrival). Welcome!

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

The continual harping by non-residents, with hazy notions that it is racist to bar foreign nationals, travelling from countries with a high incidence of SARSCoV-2 infections, exhibits an inability to comprehend the notion of citizenship and the privileges and rights afforded by being a native aka national of Japan. As cited above: you can return to your country, you can vote in your country, serve in the military, hold high office and so on. The notional privilege assigned to self by various foreigners is baffling and speaks of a weird sense of entitlement.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

"The notional privilege assigned to self by various foreigners is baffling and speaks of a weird sense of entitlement."

I concur.

1000000000%

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Gaijin insistence "but Japanese can come back any time"

Yes, they CAN.

It's their country, no one can stop them.

You can go back to your country too, wherever you're from; any time. No one can/will stop you entering it.

Your country can stop Japanese from entering though, even if they're residents.

Resident foreigners are not nationals.

Jeeezus.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

"How generous of them. I for one will never forget their racist policies to ban us from returning"

Yet, you are still living in Japan.

-5 ( +13 / -18 )

Yet Japanese are still free to come and go as they please. Must be they are immune to the virus.

At re-entry, Japanese nationals also have to take the same process (test and self-isolation) as non-Japanese re-entry.

Calling Permanents Residents "visitors" says it all...

Fake. Entry restrictions against permanent residents/spouses of Japanese nationals were lifted ahead, on 26th of August. They were not even called "visitors."

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

in Sydney we have hardly an infections now and should be able to travel to Japan without a 14 day quarantine period.

-7 ( +4 / -11 )

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