Current situation and problems regarding visa application for new foreign nationals who wish to enter Japan

From March 2022, Japan has loosened the regulations and allowing new foreign nationals to enter Japan. While life is gradually returning to normal, please find below the current situation and problems for foreigners entering Japan.

１、 New procedures when entering Japan.

Two procedures before the COVID-19 pandemic, ①Submitting the Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) documents in Japan. ②Applying through the Embassy of Japan in the applicants` home country.

Procedures from March 2022, ①Submitting the Certificate of Eligibility documents in Japan. ②Acquiring health certificate for new foreign nationals from ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System). ③Visa will be issued by the Embassy of Japan in the applicants` home country.

Although acquiring an ERFS certificate is not that difficult, due to security problems, there are companies that are unable to download the necessary documents, or ambiguity in handling schedule changes, resulting in a not so smooth process.

２、 For foreigners who wish to enter Japan with business purposes but do not have the Certificate of Eligibility

From March 2022, even if the applicants do not have the Certificate of Eligibility, they are allowed to enter Japan with business purposes. However, it does not mean that if the reason for visiting Japan is for business, then the visa will be issued. The screening process is much stricter than before the COVID-19 pandemic, even if you apply, there may be possibilities that the application will be rejected.

For those who submitted the application without CoE and are rejected, there are cases that if the application is submitted again with the CoE, the application will be approved, it is likely that the Embassy will prioritize applications that includes the CoE.

Also, there may be occasions when the CoE cannot be posted due to delivery trouble. Therefore, for applicants/companies that wish to enter Japan early, please make sure to plan everything carefully before applying.