Tourists are seen in front of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on Aug 8, 2016.
(TORU YAMANAKA / AFP)
HONG KONG - Japan announced on Thursday a temporary suspension of its visa-free policy that applies to Hong Kong and Macao passport holders amid a global outbreak of novel coronavirus.
The announcement was made by Japanese Minister of Justice Mori Masakoa on her social media account following a meeting of Japan’s National Security Council.
The move is part of the measures announced by Japan on Thursday to restrict visitors from China, South Korea and Iran to curb the spread of the coronavirus
The move is part of the measures announced by Japan on Thursday to restrict visitors from China, South Korea and Iran to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
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Before Thursday’s announcement, Hong Kong and Macao passport holders are allowed to visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.
In addition, all arrivals from China and South Korea, including Japanese citizens, will be placed under a mandatory 14-day quarantine. The quarantine measures will take effect from March 9 until the end of the month.
Japan will also suspend visas already issued to Chinese and South Korean nationals effective March 9.
Following Masakoa’s announcement, Hong Tai Travel - one of the major travel agencies in Hong Kong - said it is canceling all tours to Japan in March, affecting 15 tour groups and around 300 travelers.
Another travel agency WWPKG also announced the cancellation of more than 10 tours to Japan. About 300 travelers will be affected.
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According to Hong Kong’s Travel Industry Council, at least 85 group tours to Japan have been scheduled between Friday and the end of March. A total of some 1,600 travelers may be affected.
