Islamabad, January 14, 2021 (PPI-OT): Based on “Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel” (referred in the document 2 of the 38th meeting of Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters on June 18, 2020) and “Resumption of Cross-Border Travel and other measures” (referred in the document 3 of the 41st meeting of Novel Coronavirus Response Headquarters on July 22, 2020), the Government of Japan (GOJ) has permitted a new entry to Japan on an exceptional basis (“Residence Track”) and has partially relaxed restrictions on movement by limiting a range of activities during the period of 14-day quarantine at home or other designated locations (“Business Track”) under the condition that the person is sponsored by a company/entity that is able to ensure observance of the quarantine measures.
However, the operation of “Business Track” and “Residence Track” with all the countries/regions covered under the framework will be suspended. The new entry of foreign nationals into Japan under these two tracks will not be permitted and the relaxation of restrictions on movement during the period of 14-day quarantine through “Business Track” will no longer be permitted for Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with the status of residence until the state of emergency declaration is lifted. Note 1: The quarantine measures mentioned above will be implemented at 0:00 am (JST) on January 14, 2021.
Note 2: Holders of valid visas already issued under “Business Track” or “Residence Track” are in principle permitted to enter Japan until 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021, except for those who have stayed in the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa within 14 days prior to the entry into Japan. In case the entry into Japan is permitted, the relaxation of restrictions on movement during the period of 14-day quarantine through “Business Track” is no longer permitted.
Whereas the measures provided in “New measures for border enforcement (4)” (issued on December 26, 2020) are to remain in effect until the end of January, 2021, they will be extended until the state of emergency declaration is lifted. Holders of visas already issued based on “New measures for border enforcement (4)” (referred in Note 2 of Article 1) are in principle permitted to enter Japan until 0:00 am (JST) on January 21, 2021, except for (Provisional translation) those who have stayed in the United Kingdom or the Republic of South Africa, or the countries/regions categorized as level 3 (Avoid All Travel) of MOFA’s Travel Advice and Warning on Infection Diseases within 14 days prior to the entry into Japan.
Note 3: Among foreign nationals who newly enter Japan with valid visas already issued under “Business Track” and “Residence Track”, those who cannot submit the certificate of pre-entry COVID-19 testing result within 72 hours prior to departure will be requested to stay at specific accommodation facilities designated by the Chief of the Quarantine Station (limited to accommodation facilities designated by their hosting company/entity). They are required to take the COVID-19 test again on the third day at the responsibility of their hosting company/entity and to inform its result to the Chief of the Quarantine Station, and are requested to self-quarantine at home for the remaining period of 14 days after entering Japan.
For more information, contact:
Embassy of Japan in Pakistan
53-70, Ramna 5/4, Diplomatic Enclave 1,
Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9072500
Fax: +92-51-9072352
Email: culture@ib.mofa.go.jp
Website: http://www.pk.emb-japan.go.jp