Mar 08 (Japan Times) - Twenty-seven countries and regions are restricting the entry of visitors from Japan in response to the novel coronavirus epidemic, the Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Sixty-three countries and regions are restricting the movement of people who arrive from Japan, the ministry said.
A senior ministry official expressed concern about these measures, saying they “may spread an image that Japan is dangerous.â€
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday that the ministry has been asking India and other nations to lift their entry restrictions on travelers from Japan.
“We are making necessary requests while explaining Japan’s situation and measures,†Motegi said at a Diet meeting.
India has invalidated visas it issued to Japanese before Tuesday. Trinidad and Tobago has banned people from entering within 14 days of leaving Japan, China and some other countries.
On Friday, South Korea said it will suspend its visa waiver program for Japan.