Japan bars entry of visitors from 111 countries, including India and Bangladesh

Countries all around the world are either still in lockdown or are gearing up to end COVID-19 lockdown in the coming few days. Likewise, Japan has now lifted the nationwide ‘state of emergency’, with the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declaring that the country’s unique approach to tackle spread of the Coronavirus has helped the country to contain its spread within just six weeks.
However, Japan has introduced strict entry restrictions for travellers from various countries that have been severely affected by the Coronavirus. Among 10 other countries, India has also been now included in Japan’s entry ban list.
As per the news reports, the latest countries added in the ban list on May 27 are―India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, South Africa, El Salvador, Ghana, Guinea, and Argentina. It has also banned entry of foreigners who have visited these countries during the past 14 days. On May 22, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued travel warnings for these 11 countries, and urged its citizens to avoid travelling to these countries. This newest addition of 11 countries to the entry ban list, takes the tally to 111 countries, from which travellers are barred from entering the country.Reportedly, the current restriction measures will remain in place till the end of June, and are likely to be extended further.

While speaking at a meeting regarding the Coronavirus response, the Japanese Prime Minister added that the country will ensure all other border control measures, including visa suspensions, and 14-day quarantine period for all arrivals, including Japanese locals, remain in place till the end of June.