European Union/European Economic Area citizens without a re-entry permit now need to apply for a visa when travelling to Japan as the latter has introduced new rules.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that EU/EEA citizens, as well as citizens of several other countries who do not hold a re-entry permit, need to apply for a visa in order to be able to newly enter Japan, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.
“Currently, all foreign nationals who are recognised to be in special exceptional circumstances, and wish to newly enter Japan, need to apply for a visa except for those with re-entry permit,” the Ministry said, announcing the new rules.
Previously, Japan had Visa Exemption Agreements with 68 countries and regions, including the EU/EEA countries. However, the Japanese authorities decided to suspend the agreements for the time being.
This means that all those planning to visit Japan now need to obtain a visa as the previous agreement no longer is effective.
The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the period of stay granted at the time of the landing permission would be 90 days for EU/EEA citizens.
Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay. The application needs to be made at the Ministry of Justice before the period of permitted stay expires.
“For nationals of those countries with visa exemptions permitting stays of up to 6 months under the bilateral visa exemption arrangements, those who wish to stay in Japan for more than 90 days are required to apply for an extension of the period of stay to the Ministry of Justice (Regional Immigration Bureau) before the period of permitted stay is to expire,” the statement of the Ministry reads.
Japan reopened its borders for international travellers on June 10. Travellers from 98 countries are now allowed to visit Japan on an organised tour.
Even though Japan reopened its borders, the country’s tourism agency noted that certain rules continue to apply to incoming travellers. The government said that travellers must wear a face mask at all times. In addition, it was noted that everyone needs to take out private medical insurance that covers expenses related to the Coronavirus infection.
Except for easing the entry restrictions, Japan has also increased the daily limit of travellers that are permitted entry. Japan previously had a limit of 10,000 foreign arrivals per day, and now it has increased it to 20,000 per day.
Source: Schengen Visa Info