Re-entry of foreign nationals who possess the status of residence
On 22nd July 2020, the Government of Japan announced to incrementally permit re-entry/entry into Japan by foreign nationals who possess a status of residence and others. (Note). With a view to containing spread of infections, some new procedures will be introduced to the foreign nationals with any of the following four categories of the status of residence, “Permanent Resident”，”Spouse or Child of Japanese National”, “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident” and “Long Term Resident” (including the spouse of a Japanese national or Japanese child who does not have these statuses of residence; the same applies hereinafter) who previously could re-enter into Japan as being deemed to have special exceptional circumstances without any extra requirement. (Note) The relaxation is only applied to those who have left Japan with re-entry permit before the day when country/region where such foreign nationals are currently staying was designated as an area subject to denial of permission to entry into Japan.
Currently, for the purpose of strengthening border control, foreign nationals who stayed in countries/regions within 14 days before applying for entry into Japan come under denial of permission to enter into Japan unless there are special exceptional circumstances. Under the new decision, the holders of the status of residence who left Japan before the day when country/region where such foreign nationals are currently staying was designated as an area subject to denial of permission to entry into Japan, are allowed to re-enter Japan from 5th August 2020.
Upon the re-entry, these foreigners are requested to present the Letter of Confirmation of Submitting Required Documentation for Re-entry into Japan (hereinafter referred to as “Re-entry Confirmation Letter”) obtained from the Japanese overseas establishment at the country/region where applicants reside. Presentation of a certificate of negative test result of pre-entry testing conducted within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight will also be required. Regarding the process and required documents for re-entry, please see here.
Please be warned that “the Re-entry Confirmation Letter” as well as a certificate of negative test result of pre-entry testing result conducted within 72 hours of the departure time of the flight will also be required for the holders of the above mentioned four categories of status to re-enter into Japan on or after 1st September 2020.
From a view point of prevention of epidemics, the above mentioned measure will be applicable to all of the status of residence holders, including the holders of four categories of status who have stayed in Bangladesh, Pakistan, the Philippines and Peru within 14 days prior to landing Japan and re-enter Japan on or after 7th August 2020 with certain exceptions such as diplomats and government officials.