Japan imposes entry restrictions on China, South Korea

March 9, 2020

Tokyo--Japan imposed entry restrictions on travelers from China and South Korea, including Japanese citizens, at midnight on Sunday in the fight against the spread of the novel coronavirus.

China shows understanding of the Japanese measures. But South Korea reacted harshly, describing them as unfriendly and unscientific.

South Korea took countermeasures including suspending visa waivers for Japan. Seoul's action came as relations between the two countries have already been strained due to history and other issues.

Japan hopes to gain understanding from South Korea by explaining that the restrictions are temporary and will be in place only until the end of March.

Under the Japanese restrictions, all travelers from China and South Korea, including Hong Kong and Macau, will be asked to stay in their homes or hotels for 14 days after arriving in Japan, and not to use public transportation.

On Sunday, Narita International Airport near Tokyo saw people hastily returning to Japan before the entry restrictions go into force.

"I'll have a business meeting in Japan I need to attend. I can't be locked in a hotel room," said a Japanese man who runs a company in Hong Kong. "My trip was scheduled for late this month, but I rushed to return home."

The restrictions also include limiting flight arrivals from China and South Korea to Narita airport and Kansai International Airport near the western city of Osaka, and halting passenger transportation by ship from the two countries.

Japan also suspended its visa waiver for Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea, while invalidating visas issued in China and South Korea.

Starting on Saturday, Japan expanded its entry ban to include non-Japanese within 14 days of leaving the South Korean city of Gyeongsan and the Iranian province of province of Qom. Jiji Press