Due to the spread of the new, more contagious strain of the virus, Japan is closing its borders from December 28 to January 31 to all new foreign arrivals except foreign residents of Japan and business travelers from a small number of countries.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, foreigners (from the countries and regions where the entry bans do not apply) are not denied to enter Japan even when they arrive in Japan via those countries or regions, which are subject to denial of permission to entry, for refueling or transit purpose. Those who entered those countries or regions will, however, be subject to the entry ban.

UzA