The Japanese government announced on January 13 that it has added seven prefectures—Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Aichi, Gifu, Tochigi, and Fukuoka—as areas subject to the Second Declaration of a State of Emergency (SDSE) from January 14, 2021. The decision expands the number of areas subject to the SDSE to eleven prefectures. In the current plan, this measure will be continued until February 7, 2021.

The Japanese government also announced that from 0:00 am (JST) January 14, 2021, the frameworks of Business Track and Residence Track with all countries/regions are suspended and no new entry of foreign nationals under these tracks is permitted. Also, the relaxation of restriction on movement during the 14-day quarantine period through Business Track will no longer be permitted for Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with the status of residence. This suspension will be continued until the SDSE is lifted.

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. These travelers are required to take a COVID-19 RT-PCR test conducted within 72 hours before the departure and submit a COVID-19 Testing Certificate certifying a negative result together with a sponsor company’s oath to supervise the traveler’s conduct.

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