EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.
Recent Searches
Mobility: Immigration alert October 2020
Japan tax newsletter 8 October 2020
Japan
Immigration information: 5 October 2020
Executive summary
Japan opens borders for business travelers and holders of status of residence
The government of Japan (GOJ) announced that short-term business travelers and holders of midto long-term status of residence will be permitted to enter Japan from 1 October 2020, provided they consent to border control and additional quarantine measures. Status of residence include “business manager”, ”intra-company transferee”, “engineer/specialist in humanities/international services”, “nursing care”, ”highly skilled professional”, “technical intern training”, “specified skilled worker”, “designated activities”, “student”, “dependent” and others.
Key issues
Border control and additional quarantine measures required for foreigners wishing to enter Japan with status of residence from countries that are currently subject to denial of permission of landing are as follows:
- Health monitoring for 14 days prior to departure
- Written oath and letter by the accepting/inviting entity in Japan
- Certificate of negative COVID-19test result issued by a medical institution
- Valid visa or travel approval documents issued by the local Japanese embassy or consulate
- COVID-19 test upon arrival at the airport
- Tracking and monitoring application software installed and activated on smartphone
- Quarantine at home or designated location for 14 days
- Refrain from using public transportation
Residents of Singapore may also enter Japan for short-term business trips, in which case business activities would be allowed immediately after arrival without the 14-day home-quarantine period. Short-term business travelers wishing to enter Japan under this framework must submit a “schedule of activities in Japan” and consent to limit the area of activities to the minimum, such as between the location of stay and business destination, refrain from using public transportation, and avoid contact with random people or crowds.
Residents of other countries wishing to enter Japan for short-term business trips must comply to the 14-day quarantine.
Impact of this announcement
Those with a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can now come to Japan to begin their assignments. However, there are many points that must be considered.
- Timing is crucial in preparing to enter Japan
- Most embassies and consulates are currently accepting visa applications and requests for those with reservations only. Check with the embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence before scheduling your travels.
- You need to take your temperature for 14 days before departure.
- Flights to Japan are currently limited, so book your flight as soon as you have your reservation at the embassy or consulate.
- Ask your company to prepare the written oath and send you digital copies.
- Schedule to be tested for COVID-19.