Coronavirus: Japan to invalidate 3 million visas held by Chinese, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korean nationals

Japan will temporarily nullify almost 3 million visas held by citizens of China, Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea as part of efforts to stem the coronavirus outbreak.

The step was part of measures announced on Thursday by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, facing a barrage of criticism for his belated response to the epidemic, to toughen border controls and restrict travel from the neighbouring countries.

The visas will become invalid from Monday through March 31, with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi saying what happens past that point will depend on whether the coronavirus situation improves or worsens.

Chinese and South Korean visitors already in Japan will not have their periods of stay terminated, but if they leave the country, they will not be able to re-enter using the same visas while the temporary nullification is in force.

Until the end of March, Japan will also ask all travellers from China and South Korea to remain quarantined in government-designated facilities for two weeks.