Mar 5, 2020, 5:17 pm
Last edit by: CPH-Flyer
This thread is for discussion of the coronavirus / COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to Japan. Non-Japan-related discussion should be taken either to the most relevant forum, the Coronavirus and Travel forum, or the OMNI forums.
UPDATE FOR TOURISTS LOOKING TO VISIT JAPAN AFTER COVID-19 BORDER RESTRICTIONS EASE
Japan does currently not allow entry for general tourism purposes. Most visa waivers are suspended, and travel to Japan for non resident foreigners generally require a visa. And quarantine as described for the countries and territories below.
UPDATE FOR PEOPLE WITH VISAS THAT ALLOW ENTRY INTO JAPAN
The quarantine requirements mentioned below will generally apply to entrants in Japan. As the conditions of who can obtain a visa for entry on exceptional circumstances are not clearly listed anywhere, it is necessary to confirm entry requirements with your local Japanese diplomatic representatives
Spouses and children of foreign permanent residents or Japanese nationals, can obtain visas for short term stays (up to 90 days) by applying in person or by mail at an overseas Japanese consulate. Required documentation includes application form, letter with reason for purpose of visit, bank statement and Koseki Tohon. Processing times have been reported as on the spot to up to one week.
From March 1st, business travelers, students and technical trainees can again enter Japan. There is a need to have a receiving organisation to apply for the visa. For business travelers, there will be one point of contact with the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare. Though the full details are not published yet (as of typing on the 27th of February, please add them if you have seen them)
Business travelers must have a Japanese company or organization apply for a Certificate for Completion of Registration to the MHLW ERFS system. This is a two step process. The company must first register and then apply for the Certificate for the traveler. These can both be done online and completed in less than an hour.The website for doing this is https://entry.hco.mhlw.go.jp/.
After getting the certificate the traveler must apply for visa at the Japanese Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction for where they reside. (They are quite strict about this. E.g. you can't apply while traveling in a foreign country.) The information on the Consulate pages state that you need Letter of Guarantee, Invitation Letter, etc when applying for the visa. In fact, however, if you have the EFRS certificate, all you need is the visa application, your passport and a photo. The Consulate will issue the visa within 5 days.
UPDATE JAPANESE CITIZENS AND RETURNING FOREIGN JAPAN RESIDENTS
All people travelling to Japan has to present a negative PCR test taking no earlier than. 72 hours before departure to be able to board the flight. The certificate has to meet the information requirements and test types from the Japanese government.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000799426.pdf
From the 7th of June, passport number, nationality, signature and stamp from the doctor/medical institution are no longer required.
The requirement for pre-departure test will be removed for passengers on flights landing after the 7th of September 00:00 provided that they have received a full bases vaccination and a booster vaccination. Accepted vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer, Astra, Zeneca, J&J, Novavax, Covaxin.
Uploading documents in advance via the mysos app or via the mysos website is required. For details please see https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/en/
The arrival process is as follows. Countries will be grouped in red, yellow, and blue.
Red countries:
Albania, Sierra Leone
Yellow countries:
Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cook Island, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macau, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Congo, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Vanuatu, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe
Blue countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentine, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyz, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Western Sahara, Zambia
For updates to the lists of countries and territories and changes to the rules check the website of the ministry of foreign affairs https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html and ask in the thread for clarifications and experiences of entering Japan.
UPDATE FOR TOURISTS LOOKING TO VISIT JAPAN AFTER COVID-19 BORDER RESTRICTIONS EASE
Japan does currently not allow entry for general tourism purposes. Most visa waivers are suspended, and travel to Japan for non resident foreigners generally require a visa. And quarantine as described for the countries and territories below.
UPDATE FOR PEOPLE WITH VISAS THAT ALLOW ENTRY INTO JAPAN
The quarantine requirements mentioned below will generally apply to entrants in Japan. As the conditions of who can obtain a visa for entry on exceptional circumstances are not clearly listed anywhere, it is necessary to confirm entry requirements with your local Japanese diplomatic representatives
Spouses and children of foreign permanent residents or Japanese nationals, can obtain visas for short term stays (up to 90 days) by applying in person or by mail at an overseas Japanese consulate. Required documentation includes application form, letter with reason for purpose of visit, bank statement and Koseki Tohon. Processing times have been reported as on the spot to up to one week.
From March 1st, business travelers, students and technical trainees can again enter Japan. There is a need to have a receiving organisation to apply for the visa. For business travelers, there will be one point of contact with the Ministry of Health Labour and Welfare. Though the full details are not published yet (as of typing on the 27th of February, please add them if you have seen them)
Business travelers must have a Japanese company or organization apply for a Certificate for Completion of Registration to the MHLW ERFS system. This is a two step process. The company must first register and then apply for the Certificate for the traveler. These can both be done online and completed in less than an hour.The website for doing this is https://entry.hco.mhlw.go.jp/.
After getting the certificate the traveler must apply for visa at the Japanese Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction for where they reside. (They are quite strict about this. E.g. you can't apply while traveling in a foreign country.) The information on the Consulate pages state that you need Letter of Guarantee, Invitation Letter, etc when applying for the visa. In fact, however, if you have the EFRS certificate, all you need is the visa application, your passport and a photo. The Consulate will issue the visa within 5 days.
UPDATE JAPANESE CITIZENS AND RETURNING FOREIGN JAPAN RESIDENTS
All people travelling to Japan has to present a negative PCR test taking no earlier than. 72 hours before departure to be able to board the flight. The certificate has to meet the information requirements and test types from the Japanese government.
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000799426.pdf
From the 7th of June, passport number, nationality, signature and stamp from the doctor/medical institution are no longer required.
The requirement for pre-departure test will be removed for passengers on flights landing after the 7th of September 00:00 provided that they have received a full bases vaccination and a booster vaccination. Accepted vaccines are Moderna, Pfizer, Astra, Zeneca, J&J, Novavax, Covaxin.
Uploading documents in advance via the mysos app or via the mysos website is required. For details please see https://www.hco.mhlw.go.jp/en/
The arrival process is as follows. Countries will be grouped in red, yellow, and blue.
- Group “Red”：On-arrival test is required. 3-day quarantine at a government-designated facility is required, however, those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate may have 5-day home quarantine (or 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test) instead.
- Group “Yellow”：On-arrival test and 5-day home quarantine (or 3-day home quarantine + negative result of a voluntary test) are required, however, those who obtain a valid vaccination certificate are not required to have on-arrival test, home quarantine and other measures.
- Group “Blue”：Regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants/returnees, on-arrival test, home quarantine and other measures are not required.
Red countries:
Albania, Sierra Leone
Yellow countries:
Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Botswana, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cook Island, Cuba, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dominica, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, India, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Macau, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Mauritania, Mauritius, Namibia, Nauru, Nicaragua, Niger, Niue, North Korea, North Macedonia, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Republic of Burundi, Republic of Congo, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Vanuatu, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Solomon, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zimbabwe
Blue countries:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Argentine, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Jordan, Kenya, Kyrgyz, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Western Sahara, Zambia
For updates to the lists of countries and territories and changes to the rules check the website of the ministry of foreign affairs https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html and ask in the thread for clarifications and experiences of entering Japan.
Coronavirus impact in Japan [consolidated]
Jun 26, 2020, 7:59 pm
#2101
Join Date: Mar 2005
Programs: UA MP
Posts: 1,659
Guess it wasn't reciprocity at all.
Jun 26, 2020, 8:18 pm
#2102
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
On my way back to Tokyo, a few hours out from Narita now. Was able to board in the States on UA with no issues upon presentation of residency status alone (resident card) let alone my extraordinary circumstances proof which was not requested or shown. The small slip of paper which unclearly talks about the special re-entry permit in English was also shown but I was told was unnecessary as far as the airline was concerned.
Unlike the flight over, this one is half full on the same config 787-9. I get the feeling there are many pass through pax. Some Chinese folks (I know because I speak the language) in Y are wearing full body suits full enclosed like a windbreaker version of a spacesuit. Goes over their shoes in fact. Not sure how the heck that’s a wise idea. Not to mention it must be hot as heck inside that plastic.
Unfortunately the levels of service on UA right now in J are really quite pitiful, it’s a Y meal with almost
no booze offered. No real snacks. No ice. No FA’s walking around. Nice to have the seat adjacent empty though and still thankful I could even fly during these times. One thing I’ll miss from these days is all of the early departures and early arrivals!
Will report back some time regarding my upcoming experience with quarantine and immigration at Narita. With cases going up in Japan and the US, I hope they haven’t changed any rules in the last week or so...
I guess I shall see what transpires...
Unlike the flight over, this one is half full on the same config 787-9. I get the feeling there are many pass through pax. Some Chinese folks (I know because I speak the language) in Y are wearing full body suits full enclosed like a windbreaker version of a spacesuit. Goes over their shoes in fact. Not sure how the heck that’s a wise idea. Not to mention it must be hot as heck inside that plastic.
Unfortunately the levels of service on UA right now in J are really quite pitiful, it’s a Y meal with almost
no booze offered. No real snacks. No ice. No FA’s walking around. Nice to have the seat adjacent empty though and still thankful I could even fly during these times. One thing I’ll miss from these days is all of the early departures and early arrivals!
Will report back some time regarding my upcoming experience with quarantine and immigration at Narita. With cases going up in Japan and the US, I hope they haven’t changed any rules in the last week or so...
I guess I shall see what transpires...
Cleared outbound immigration.
Provided documentation under the new published guidelines. They took about 30 minutes to analyze my situation, copied all of my materials and issued me a special re-entry permit allowing my return per my return ticket and because of my exceptional circumstances.
The officer asked, if possible, to being additional documentation to further verify my exceptional circumstances, upon return. It’s fairly obvious this is highly preferred but not necessarily required. Final determination for re-entry is at the designation of inbound immigration no matter what re-entry permit is granted. Such language was indicated on a form I was required to sign.
During check-in, the airline also asked my method to return to Japan but once mentioned, did not ask for any documentation. They kindly reminded me of the return PCR testing procedures and private transportation requirement.
The NH F lounge is open and serving limited but adequate food and beverages including the normal made to order items.
99% of Narita stores are closed and approximately 20 pax on my 787-9. Mostly military.
There are more cleaning people than pax in the airport. Frankly, I think it’s a delightful time to travel, if you must.
Provided documentation under the new published guidelines. They took about 30 minutes to analyze my situation, copied all of my materials and issued me a special re-entry permit allowing my return per my return ticket and because of my exceptional circumstances.
The officer asked, if possible, to being additional documentation to further verify my exceptional circumstances, upon return. It’s fairly obvious this is highly preferred but not necessarily required. Final determination for re-entry is at the designation of inbound immigration no matter what re-entry permit is granted. Such language was indicated on a form I was required to sign.
During check-in, the airline also asked my method to return to Japan but once mentioned, did not ask for any documentation. They kindly reminded me of the return PCR testing procedures and private transportation requirement.
The NH F lounge is open and serving limited but adequate food and beverages including the normal made to order items.
99% of Narita stores are closed and approximately 20 pax on my 787-9. Mostly military.
There are more cleaning people than pax in the airport. Frankly, I think it’s a delightful time to travel, if you must.
Jun 26, 2020, 8:20 pm
#2103
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Germany
Posts: 3,789
Some news sites report reciprocity was one of the main criteria, others don't, so not sure what's going on behind the scenes. Reciprocity would be stupid - this way, we would deny entry to residents of the safest countries.
Jun 26, 2020, 9:03 pm
#2104
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
Jun 26, 2020, 9:16 pm
#2105
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Spoke too soon. I have one item that despite being in stock, still doesn't have a estimated shipping date after two weeks. The listed dimensions are 43 x 39.5 x 15 cm and apparently DHL has a surcharge above 300mm. I'm guessing it's on hold for now due to lack of other shipping options.
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/in...618_01_en.html
EMS service to EU has resumed. Hopefully service to the US will follow soon.
Jun 27, 2020, 12:12 am
#2106
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Landed. Transit pax exited first. UA GS rep escorted me as the first pax entering Japan, directly off the plane and with a quarantine officer to the standard quarantine area. It’s setup like a triage unit. PCR test via nose swab. Results in 2-3 days via email. Was escorted to immigration (normal lane, two open).
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
On my way back to Tokyo, a few hours out from Narita now. Was able to board in the States on UA with no issues upon presentation of residency status alone (resident card) let alone my extraordinary circumstances proof which was not requested or shown. The small slip of paper which unclearly talks about the special re-entry permit in English was also shown but I was told was unnecessary as far as the airline was concerned.
Unlike the flight over, this one is half full on the same config 787-9. I get the feeling there are many pass through pax. Some Chinese folks (I know because I speak the language) in Y are wearing full body suits full enclosed like a windbreaker version of a spacesuit. Goes over their shoes in fact. Not sure how the heck that’s a wise idea. Not to mention it must be hot as heck inside that plastic.
Unfortunately the levels of service on UA right now in J are really quite pitiful, it’s a Y meal with almost
no booze offered. No real snacks. No ice. No FA’s walking around. Nice to have the seat adjacent empty though and still thankful I could even fly during these times. One thing I’ll miss from these days is all of the early departures and early arrivals!
Will report back some time regarding my upcoming experience with quarantine and immigration at Narita. With cases going up in Japan and the US, I hope they haven’t changed any rules in the last week or so...
I guess I shall see what transpires...
Unlike the flight over, this one is half full on the same config 787-9. I get the feeling there are many pass through pax. Some Chinese folks (I know because I speak the language) in Y are wearing full body suits full enclosed like a windbreaker version of a spacesuit. Goes over their shoes in fact. Not sure how the heck that’s a wise idea. Not to mention it must be hot as heck inside that plastic.
Unfortunately the levels of service on UA right now in J are really quite pitiful, it’s a Y meal with almost
no booze offered. No real snacks. No ice. No FA’s walking around. Nice to have the seat adjacent empty though and still thankful I could even fly during these times. One thing I’ll miss from these days is all of the early departures and early arrivals!
Will report back some time regarding my upcoming experience with quarantine and immigration at Narita. With cases going up in Japan and the US, I hope they haven’t changed any rules in the last week or so...
I guess I shall see what transpires...
Jun 27, 2020, 2:21 am
#2107
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Kobe/Osaka
Programs: Delta
Posts: 1,587
Glad it went well for you. Thanks for the update. How did they confirm you were using private transportation to depart Narita?
Jun 27, 2020, 4:19 am
#2108
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,379
Landed. Transit pax exited first. UA GS rep escorted me as the first pax entering Japan, directly off the plane and with a quarantine officer to the standard quarantine area. It’s setup like a triage unit. PCR test via nose swab. Results in 2-3 days via email. Was escorted to immigration (normal lane, two open).
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
Jun 27, 2020, 6:08 am
#2109
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
mjm -> I hired MK’s special service for inbound international arrivals. It’s their “corona car” private transfer which is in one of those nicely appointed executive “minivans”. Ran about JPY 45K from Narita to central Tokyo. Pricey but that way I could pay a professional instead of have a friend worry they might pick something up from me, that was still incubating. Since PCR results take a day or two, there is some material risk to anyone you interact with. Good luck with your trip. When do you head out?
Jun 27, 2020, 6:26 am
#2110
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
Landed. Transit pax exited first. UA GS rep escorted me as the first pax entering Japan, directly off the plane and with a quarantine officer to the standard quarantine area. It’s setup like a triage unit. PCR test via nose swab. Results in 2-3 days via email. Was escorted to immigration (normal lane, two open).
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
No line. Officer checked my passport and special re entry permit. Made me sign a bunch of forms certifying where I came from and was over the last 14 days. Standard fingerprinting and photo. Was then escorted to secondary.
Officer asked for my documentation certifying my extraordinary circumstances (same as outbound) except requested additional proof that my circumstances took place in America. I was prepared and provided such proof in the form of documentation.
While I waited for him to review the documents, the only other American entering Japan on my flight was escorted in behind me. He explained to another officer and then the director that his 80 yr old father was dying in a coma in America and that’s why he left Japan last week. They asked him for proof of his father’s hospitalization. He didn’t have any. He told them he wasn’t told on the way out that he needed to bring it. They produced the form he signed when he departed which said he needed to bring documentation back with him. He talked about his wife waiting outside and how it’s ridiculous because he doesn’t have corona. An actual yelling match in English ensued and he was promptly denied entry despite his pleas. Right there in the middle of the secondary office by a very, very angry English speaking Director of Immigration. I must say, she did her job but wow, she was one mean woman!
I was granted entry. My passport was stamped and I was escorted to baggage claim and further escorted by an agent who confirmed I was using private transportation to depart Narita.
Word to the wise -> do your homework, prepare and have proper documentation and reason to depart Japan if you expect to be let back in. Humanitarian reasons are accepted but only with proper proof. It’s not a good time to travel to and from Japan.
Jun 27, 2020, 6:34 am
#2111
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Crazy story. Any idea if the person who got rejected was a permanent resident or not? I mean if he had a Japanese wife I'm going to guess he might have had, but that's still ultra harsh. Wonder if they went back to international and reached out to the hospital etc to get the info faxed over... but still, that's wild. Definitely not many countries out there who separate "citizens" and "non-citizens" this way.
As I listened to their argument, I was thinking exactly along the lines you’re suggesting. I was thinking - if I were him, I’d offer to call the hospital together and have them email or FAX some sort of proof which may be possible given he was direct family, although I’m not sure how to prove that over the phone. He could also have asked the immigration staff what was considered acceptable documentation and if he could have some time to get it later the same day.
My Japanese cultural sensitivities started kicking in and I was thinking, if he really does live here, he should probably know to apologize at the very least and ask the staff what to do to make it right. This could be the kind of situation where you kneel down on the floor and bow until you hit the ground. Unfortunately for him, his emotions got the best of him and the situation escalated until she simply told him he was denied entry and it was a final decision.
All of that said, I was provided with a very complex flowchart when entering immigration which did show, in English, a path for on site immediate appeals. So I guess we’ll never know if that particular individual ended up being deported or not in the ultimate end...
Jun 27, 2020, 6:44 am
#2112
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
I’m not sure but since he said his wife was there to pick him up and he also mentioned he lives in Japan, I would guess he was a permanent resident.
As I listened to their argument, I was thinking exactly along the lines you’re suggesting. I was thinking - if I were him, I’d offer to call the hospital together and have them email or FAX some sort of proof which may be possible given he was direct family, although I’m not sure how to prove that over the phone. He could also have asked the immigration staff what was considered acceptable documentation and if he could have some time to get it later the same day.
My Japanese cultural sensitivities started kicking in and I was thinking, if he really does live here, he should probably know to apologize at the very least and ask the staff what to do to make it right. This could be the kind of situation where you kneel down on the floor and bow until you hit the ground. Unfortunately for him, his emotions got the best of him and the situation escalated until she simply told him he was denied entry and it was a final decision.
All of that said, I was provided with a very complex flowchart when entering immigration which did show, in English, a path for on site immediate appeals. So I guess we’ll never know if that particular individual ended up being deported or not in the ultimate end...
As I listened to their argument, I was thinking exactly along the lines you’re suggesting. I was thinking - if I were him, I’d offer to call the hospital together and have them email or FAX some sort of proof which may be possible given he was direct family, although I’m not sure how to prove that over the phone. He could also have asked the immigration staff what was considered acceptable documentation and if he could have some time to get it later the same day.
My Japanese cultural sensitivities started kicking in and I was thinking, if he really does live here, he should probably know to apologize at the very least and ask the staff what to do to make it right. This could be the kind of situation where you kneel down on the floor and bow until you hit the ground. Unfortunately for him, his emotions got the best of him and the situation escalated until she simply told him he was denied entry and it was a final decision.
All of that said, I was provided with a very complex flowchart when entering immigration which did show, in English, a path for on site immediate appeals. So I guess we’ll never know if that particular individual ended up being deported or not in the ultimate end...
Jun 27, 2020, 7:35 am
#2113
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,379
The staff member who escorted me out just walked with me until I found my contact post customs. She didn’t really check anything and disappeared very quickly - I suppose one could simply have walked anywhere at that point if you managed to look enough like you knew some stranger lol.
mjm -> I hired MK’s special service for inbound international arrivals. It’s their “corona car” private transfer which is in one of those nicely appointed executive “minivans”. Ran about JPY 45K from Narita to central Tokyo. Pricey but that way I could pay a professional instead of have a friend worry they might pick something up from me, that was still incubating. Since PCR results take a day or two, there is some material risk to anyone you interact with. Good luck with your trip. When do you head out?
mjm -> I hired MK’s special service for inbound international arrivals. It’s their “corona car” private transfer which is in one of those nicely appointed executive “minivans”. Ran about JPY 45K from Narita to central Tokyo. Pricey but that way I could pay a professional instead of have a friend worry they might pick something up from me, that was still incubating. Since PCR results take a day or two, there is some material risk to anyone you interact with. Good luck with your trip. When do you head out?
Do you have a link for the service?I head out Sept. 1.
Jun 27, 2020, 7:41 am
#2114
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: 1A
Programs: UA GS, NH Diamond, Hyatt Lifetime Globalist (formerly Courtesy Card sadly), Amanjunkie, CLEAR
Posts: 3,713
Safe travels.
Jun 27, 2020, 8:07 am
#2115
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tokyo, Japan (or Vienna whenever possible)
Posts: 6,379
Sorry I do not. Just called them and asked about international pickup during this time period and they told me about this specific package. English speaking driver contributed to some of that cost, now that I think about it. They also mentioned they would charge for waiting time in case of long quarantine lines for the PCR test, although that didn’t apply in my case as there was no line.
Safe travels.
Safe travels.
