Within this week, the government will set up a special website to handle the administrative procedures required of foreigners wishing to enter Japan. Strict controls have been in place following the spread of the Omicron variant, but new entries will be permitted from March 1 when border controls are eased. The new website aims to facilitate new entries by easing the administrative burden on users. 

Once the border controls are eased, foreigners will be allowed to enter Japan if they are coming to the country for non-tourism purposes, such as business travel or study. Host companies and schools will be required to submit to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare a report on the new entrant by inputting into the system such information as the person’s name, contact information, passport number, and the name of the person overseeing their stay in Japan. Once the host organization signs an electronic pledge, the documents needed to process a visa will be provided online.

A pledge is required because “overseers at host institutions” will be held responsible for new entrants. They will be required to secure accommodations and monitor the foreigner’s health during the quarantine period, and contact a medial institution if they are found to be infected with COVID-19. (Abridged)