Japan, South Korea, and 7 Other Countries Lower Infectious Disease Risk Alert from Level 3 to 2

Entry Still Difficult for Long-Term Stay and Non-Business Purposes

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government has lowered the infectious disease risk alert level by one step for nine countries, including South Korea, which had been issued due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

On the 30th, the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs downgraded the alert for South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), Brunei, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand from 'Level 3,' which means suspension of visits, to 'Level 2,' which advises refraining from non-essential visits.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu explained at a press conference held that day, "We comprehensively considered various factors such as the infection situation, easing of movement restrictions, and business demand."

He added that although the nine countries with lowered alert levels will be excluded from entry bans, visa and suspension measures still remain, so unless one qualifies for the 'Residence Track' for long-term residents or the 'Business Track' for expatriates, entering Japan will practically remain impossible.

The Japanese government decided to resume short-term business trips with Vietnam starting from the 1st of next month, making it the third country after Singapore and South Korea.

The infectious disease risk alert for Myanmar and Jordan, where infection spread has recently become severe again, was raised from Level 2 to Level 3.

As a result, Japan will maintain Level 3 alerts for 152 countries worldwide.

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