Government retaliates against Japan with 'reciprocal measures'... 'Suspension of visa exemption and application of special entry procedures for foreigners from Japan' (Update)

Advance notice of enforcement from 0:00 on the 9th... Plan to raise travel alert to Level 2 for all regions of Japan
Cho Se-young, First Vice Foreign Minister, "Considering the situation of raising questions about Japan's vulnerable quarantine status"

Japan has decided to strengthen entry restrictions on travelers arriving from Korea starting from the 9th, citing the prevention of the spread of COVID-19. On the 6th, Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha summoned Koji Domita, the Japanese Ambassador to Korea, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to express regret. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The South Korean government has taken reciprocal measures in response to Japan's unilateral tightening of entry restrictions targeting South Korea. The main points include suspending the visa waiver for Japan, applying special entry procedures for foreigners transiting through Japan, and raising the travel alert level for all regions of Japan to Level 2.

On the afternoon of the 6th, Cho Se-young, First Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced these reciprocal measures against Japan during an emergency briefing. Vice Minister Cho stated, "Our government once again expresses deep regret over Japan's unilateral announcement of these measures without prior consultation or notification," and criticized, "It is difficult to accept Japan's unilateral tightening of entry restrictions on our citizens, especially given Japan's opaque and passive quarantine efforts."

Vice Minister Cho also emphasized that while South Korea is recognized by the international community for strictly controlling and managing infectious diseases through a transparent, democratic, and efficient quarantine system, Japan's vulnerable quarantine status and response have raised many questions.

Accordingly, he announced plans to implement four reciprocal measures. First, starting at midnight on the 9th, South Korea will suspend the visa waiver for Japan and the validity of issued visas. Vice Minister Cho explained, "Health verification procedures will be included in the visa issuance process, and health certificates may be requested depending on future changes in the situation."

He added, "Regarding Japan's restrictions on arrival and departure airports and requests to suspend ship and passenger transport, we will comprehensively consider the potential inconvenience to Korean residents in Japan upon their entry and take reciprocal measures later," and noted, "Among the many Korea-Japan routes, the airports selected will be Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae, or Jeju."

Special entry procedures will also be applied to foreigners arriving from Japan. The South Korean government will decide whether to implement further strengthened measures based on the infection spread situation within Japan.

Vice Minister Cho said, "Regarding Japan's request for a 14-day quarantine at designated locations for entrants from South Korea, starting at midnight on the 9th, special entry procedures will be applied to all foreigners entering from Japan."

The travel alert for all regions of Japan will also be raised to Level 2. Vice Minister Cho stated, "In response to Japan raising the risk level of infectious diseases for South Korea, from midnight on the 9th, the travel alert for all regions of Japan will be raised to Level 2, which advises travelers to refrain from travel."

Furthermore, he emphasized that these measures against Japan take into account the vulnerabilities and questions raised regarding Japan's COVID-19 response. Vice Minister Cho explained, "Japan's number of COVID-19 tests is significantly lower compared to ours, and the infection situation there is quite opaque," adding, "Detailed matters related to the announced measures will be prepared through consultations among relevant ministries."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.