Japan Suspends Visa Issued in Philippines and Ten Other Countries Amidst COVID-19

Amid the threat of COVID-19, Japan suspends around 750,000 single entry and multiple entry visas issued by March 27 including those from the Philippines and ten other countries.

The said suspension will last until the end of April or until further notice to strengthen the border measures of the country.

The list of these countries are as follows:

• Philippines
• Indonesia
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Brunei
• Vietnam
• Malaysia
• Israel
• Qatar
• Bahrain
• The Democratic Republic of the Congo

Visas from countries like China, South Korea, and some countries in Europe were also invalidated prior to these additional countries.

The Japanese Government is also suspending the validity of the pre-clearance granted to Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel cards as stated in the restrictions for travelers.

For travelers who are still to enter the Japanese territory like workers or Japanese residents, they shall be asked to undergo a 14-day quarantine at locations designated by the Japanese Government.

The consular services will also be closed starting April 1 stated by the Philippine Embassy in Japan, but their hotlines and email would still be open for emergency assistance. You can call them at 080-4928-7979 or email them at atn@philembassy.net.

In the meantime, the Philippine Embassy in Japan advises those Filipinos in Japan holding temporary visitor visa, residence status for technical intern trainee and other activities or resident status with incoming expiry of visa that cannot go back to the Philippines due to cancellation of flights should coordinate to the nearest Immigration Office to extend your visa at hand.

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Sources Philippine Embassy in Japan, NHK World Japan
Image from Ministry of Foreign Affairs Japan