November 8, 2021

To YNU international students planning to enter Japan as new arrivals

Izuru Umehara
President
Yokohama National University

New Entry into Japan under “New measures for border enforcement (19)”

In accordance with the “New measures for border enforcement (19)”, the Japanese government has announced (1) “Review of restrictions on activities for persons with a valid vaccination certificate of COVID-19 from the fourth day after their entry into Japan”, and (2) “Review of restrictions on new entry of foreign nationals into Japan”, effective November 8, 2021, on conditions that receiving organizations are screened in advance by the Ministry in charge of the business and are responsible for the foreign nationals’ observance and fulfillment of the various requirements and obligations imposed on them.

As for (2), you will be in principle permitted to newly enter Japan, considering that you have “special exceptional circumstances” by your submitting a written pledge certifying that you comply with the entry requirements and obligations and YNU’s submitting designated application documents including a written pledge to MEXT and passing the screening. The submission of the screening certificate issued by MEXT is required when you apply for your visa. YNU will take the necessary procedures to accept new arrivals of international students under this measure. Please wait for specific procedures for the application and screening, which will be posted on YNU’s website as soon as they are finalized. (International students invited to Japan by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, Science and Technology (MEXT), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the World Bank, foreign governments, or other institutions should follow the organization's guidelines. YNU will respond to requests from these organizations.)

As for (1), it is not applicable to international students entering Japan for a long-term stay for studying as it is not considered necessary for them to engage in the specific activities during the quarantine period. In principle, the quarantine period is 14 days (or 10 days for those who satisfy certain conditions) upon arrival. Your accommodation will be arranged by YNU, except for those who already have a residence in Japan (university dormitories and private homes are not acceptable), and your transportation from the airport will also be arranged by YNU, excluding those who will be picked up by their family members. You will be responsible for the costs related to transportation within Japan after arrival, accommodation during the quarantine period, and the web system and services for these arrangements. (For those who satisfy the eligibilities, YNU will provide the financial assistance for the accommodation fee associated with self-quarantine. For details, please check the following website:YNU E-SSUP Financial Assistance for Accommodation Fee associated with Self-Quarantine for International Students (AY2021)

The international students are allowed to enter Japan gradually as they account for a large percentage of CoE (Certificate of Eligibility) holders who have been unable to enter Japan due to the entry restrictions. The application for entry permission will be accepted in stages (monthly) according to the date of issue of CoE as follows:
November, 2021: Those with a CoE issued between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2020
December, 2021: Those with a CoE issued between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020
January, 2022: Those with a CoE issued between January 1, 2020 and March 31, 2021
After February, 2022: Will be determined based on the implementation status

As of November 1, 2021, the classes are conducted in-person with maximum Covid-19 safety measures in place along with effective use of virtual learning modes under the “Action Plan to Prevent the Spread of the Novel Coronavirus”. However, you do not need to rush into coming to Japan as YNU will provide support for the international students as far as possible for them to take classes online instead of in-person for the time being. So, please monitor the situation and proceed the preparation for coming to Japan calmly.

We hope all YNU international students will be able to enter Japan as soon as possible and look forward to welcoming you all on YNU campus.

Related Links(Updated on November 11, 2021)

●Phased Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/cp/page22e_000925.html
●Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html
●New measures for border enforcement (19)［Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare］(in Japanese)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000121431_00318.html