Ministry of Justice Strengthens New Visa Screening... Three-Stage Entry Block for Japanese Nationals
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] Starting from the 9th, Japanese nationals entering South Korea will undergo a three-step immigration inspection. This measure comes as the South Korean government decided to strengthen entry restrictions on Japanese citizens.
On the 8th, the Ministry of Justice released an explanatory document stating, "All valid visas previously issued to Japanese nationals at all South Korean diplomatic missions in Japan will be suspended. This applies to both single-entry and multiple-entry visas."
The Ministry of Justice will first block entry by using the Advance Passenger Information System (IPC), which receives passenger information from airlines to verify eligibility for entry. Subsequently, Japanese nationals must undergo additional verification when airlines or shipping companies issue boarding passes locally, and again at the domestic immigration inspection stage. However, this does not apply to those with permanent residency status, foreigner registration, or valid residence reports.
With the suspension of visa exemptions for Japanese nationals, holders of Japanese passports must obtain a new visa to enter South Korea starting from 0:00 on the 9th based on their local departure time. This suspension of visa exemption also applies without exception to holders of diplomatic and official passports.
Visa issuance screening will also be strengthened. The government plans to require all foreigners applying for visas at South Korean diplomatic missions in Japan to submit a handwritten health declaration form to check for suspected symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, chills, and headaches.
Hot Picks Today
At President Lee's Call to "Give Enough to Shock," Whistleblower Rewards Become a Real Lottery
- If They Fail Next Year, Bonus Drops to 97 Million Won... A Closer Look at Samsung Electronics DS Division’s 600M vs 460M vs 160M Performance Bonuses
- Lived as Family for Over 30 Years... Daughter-in-Law Cast Aside After Husband's Death
- Opening a Bank Account in Korea Is Too Difficult..."Over 150,000 Won in Notarization Fees Just for a Child's Account and Debit Card" [Foreigner K-Finance Status]②
- "Who Is Visiting Japan These Days?" The Once-Crowded Tourist Spots Empty Out... What's Happening?
Passengers arriving from Japan must undergo special entry procedures starting from the 9th. The Ministry of Justice explained that quarantine authorities will promptly impose entry bans on foreigners deemed inappropriate for entry into the country.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
