IMPORTANT NOTICE ON RESTRICTIONS RELATED TO NOVEL CORONAVIRUS

November/3/2020

Japan’s border is still partially closed to visitors from New Zealand but various categories are being accepted for entry into Japan.
Most medium-long term visa applications may now be accepted with the required documentation. See 1 below.
Most Japan residence card holders can return to Japan. See 4 below.
Note that all visa applications may take longer than usual and there is a quota restriction.

*Any non-Japanese arriving into Japan NO LONGER need to obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to leaving New Zealand.
(Note that if you visit a third country en route to Japan that is restricted, you must get a COVID-19 test from that country within 72 hours of departing for Japan. For a list of restricted countries, please see: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

*All arrivals will be subject to Japanese quarantine procedures which includes a COVID test upon arrival, 14 day self-isolation and no public transportation during that time.

* All applicants must be in principle New Zealand passport holders or those lawfully in New Zealand with appropriate visa status.

*Japan Visa Hotline (24 hours/7 days a week, English only): 0800 039 832　


ENTRY   

1. MEDIUM-LONG TERM ENTRANTS with a Certificate of Eligibility

Practically all Certificate of Eligibility holders (of any category) may now apply for a visa. Contact your  Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand for details.
Note that all visa applications may take longer than usual and there is a quota restriction.

Required Documentation
1.   Novel Coronavirus Questionnaire form
2.   Valid passport with sufficient space for the visa
3.   Valid visa for New Zealand (if you hold a third country passport)
4.   Visa application form   [sample] with one recent passport sized photo (45x35mm) affixed by glue
5.   Original CoE plus one photocopy
6.   *If the CoE is more than 3 months old, you must also provide a recent letter from your Japanese institution confirming your position is still available.
7.   Pledge issued by host company/institute (2 copies, original not required) 誓約書* Please affix the company seal (offical seal) 


2. SHORT TERM BUSINESS TRAVELLERS
 
Business purpose short term (up to 90 days) travel visa applications are being accepted for processing. Contact your  Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand   for details.
* Short holidays to Japan are not yet possible, regardless of nationality.

Required Documentation
  1. Novel Coronavirus Questionnaire form 
  2. Valid passport with sufficient space for the visa
  3. Valid visa for New Zealand (if you hold a third country passport)
  4. Visa application form   [sample] with one recent passport sized photo (45x35mm) affixed by glue
  5. Proof of employment 在職証明書
  6. Invitation letter by host company or organization in Japan explaining the reason 招聘理由書
  7. Guarantor Letter by host company 身元保証書
  8. Pledge issued by host company or organization (2 copies, original not required) 誓約書 * Please affix the company seal (offical seal)



3. OTHER VISA CASES

Compassionate cases (very special humanitarian services) can apply for a visa.
Contact your  Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand  for details.


Spouse/Child of Japanese National or Permanent Resident can apply for a visa.
Contact your  Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand  for details.


Working Holiday Visa applications are not yet possible for most working holiday makers. In limited circumstances only, applicants with a part time or seasonal job arranged may be able to apply if the employer in Japan will provide the following two items in addition to the regular working holiday visa checklist.
Extra documents required for Working Holiday Visa applications:
1. Pledge issued by host company/institute (2 copies, original not required)
2. Invitation letter by host company or organization in Japan explaining the reason 招聘理由書
Please deal with your jurisdictional Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand in Wellington / Christchurch / Auckland and check their corresponding website to apply for a working holiday visa.
*Note that you will be subject to quarantine regulations upon arrival into Japan and upon your return to New Zealand. You should have suitable insurance and funds for your proposed trip. Visa processing will take longer than the usual 10 working days and a successful outcome is not guaranteed.
* You cannot enter Japan with a working holiday visa that was issued before the border restrictions, as you will not have a pledge or invitation letter.
 
 
RE-ENTRY

4. All categories of foreign nationals who have a valid residence card and a valid re-entry permit (including minashi special re-entry permit) and who departed Japan any time until 31 August 2020 may return to Japan.
You no longer require a Letter of Confirmation issued by your local Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand, nor do you require a negative COVID-19 test result, conducted within 72 hours prior to departing New Zealand. 

5.  All categories of foreign nationals who have a valid residence card and a valid re-entry permit (including minashi special re-entry permit) and who departed Japan on or after 1 September 2020 may return to Japan.
You no longer require a receipt for request of re-entry issued by Japanese Immigration before leaving Japan. Nor do you need a negative COVID-19 test result, conducted within 72 hours prior to departing New Zealand.

 6. Foreign nationals whose residence card or re-entry permit has expired because they could not return to Japan due to the pandemic can apply for a visa at their local Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand upon obtaining a certificate of eligibility from Japan

7. Foreign nationals whose residence card or re-entry permit has expired because they could not return to Japan due to the pandemic, and fulfil the conditions and residence status categories below can now apply for a visa at their local Embassy/Consular Office/Consulate in New Zealand without a certificate of eligibility from Japan.

【status】
Artist芸術
Religious Activities宗教
Journalist報道
BusinessManager経営・管理
Legal,Accounting Service法律・会計業務
Medical Service医療
Intra-company Transferee企業内転勤
Entertainer興行
Dependent家族滞在
Designated Activities特定活動（Kokuji-nai, Kokuji-gai）
Spouse or Child of Japanese National日本人の配偶者等
Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident永住者の配偶者等
Long Term Resident定住者（Kokuji-nai, Kokuji-gai）

【Conditions】
・The re-entry permit expires between 1 January 2020 and one month after the date that border restrictions for NZ are lifted.
・You were not able to re-enter to Japan due to COVID-19 and your re-entry permit has expired.
・There is no change in your previous status.
・There is no one in Japan who can apply for the COE in Japan on your behalf.

8. For permanent residents of Japan who have difficulty re-entering Japan within the valid period of their re-entry permission due to the impact of the novel coronavirus, also see: http://www.moj.go.jp/content/001323310.pdf 
Contact your jurisdictional office for details. You must apply before the end of April 2021.
 


Useful Links


 
• Immigration Japan COVID-19 page: http://www.moj.go.jp/EN/nyuukokukanri/kouhou/m_nyuukokukanri01_00003.html

• Contact details of immigration offices in Japan http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/info/index.html
 
• MOFA coronavirus information: https://www.mofa.go.jp/p_pd/pds/page22e_000910.html

• Border measures: https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html

• Japan National Tourist Organization: https://www.japan.travel/en/coronavirus/　

• The Embassy Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/JICC.NZ




 

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