Re-entry procedure for international students currently abroad

To international students possessing a re-entry permit to Japan
(Only for those currently abroad)

International Student Counseling Service

From Q3 onwards, face-to-face and online classes are scheduled to be held in Tokyo Institute of Technology.

Currently, for the purpose of strengthening border control, foreign nationals who stayed in countries/regions within 14 days before applying for entry into Japan come under denial of permission to enter into Japan unless there are special exceptional circumstances. Under the new decision, the holders of the status of residence who left Japan before the day when country/region where such foreign nationals are currently staying was designated as an area subject to denial of permission to entry into Japan, are allowed to re-enter Japan from 5th August 2020. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Announcement:
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001074.html

On the other hand, the Japanese government has not lifted the strict 14-day self-quarantine rule for returnees coming from the countries listed in (*1). Returnees are also prohibited from using public transportation upon arrival and within the 14-day self-quarantine period. The accommodation for self-quarantine is assumed to be a residence in Japan (*2).

Returnees are restricted from using public transportation (e.g. taxis, trains) to access the area for self-quarantine. Using public transportation against the request of the quarantine director increases the health risks of the public. Returnees have to secure transportation means privately prior to entering Japan.

To prevent the spread of viral infection, Tokyo Institute of Technology also orders all students entering Japan to conduct self-quarantine for 14 days irrespective of the nationalities or country/region of origin (*3). As a university facility, the dormitory cannot be accessed during the period of self-quarantine. The university cannot provide an alternative place for self-quarantine.

In consideration of the above, if you wish to return to Japan after consulting with and receiving permission from your family as well as your academic advisor or supervisor, prepare the necessary documents specified by the government, carry out all necessary procedures, and return to Japan. Upon arrival, conduct self-quarantine by staying at your residence in Japan for 14 days. After 14 days with no symptoms, you will be permitted to enter the campus within the range permitted by the university’s policy.

【Symptoms restricting you from leaving your residence】
Strong fatigue, dyspnea (breathing difficulty), high fever (37.5 degrees C or more)

If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms after self-quarantine, please continue with self-quarantine until recovery.

As for the place for self-quarantine, you can use the apartment, etc. where you lived before you left Japan as long as you lived alone. For students who lived in the dormitory before their departure, please secure a place to conduct self-quarantine elsewhere (e.g. hotel) at your own expense (some expense will be financially shouldered by the university). For the cases above, you’ll have to wait for 2-weeks until you are able to move back to the place where you reside before leaving Japan. Keep in mind that during this period, you cannot use public transportation.  Regarding the transfer from the airport to the area for self-quarantine, the university provides additional support as written below.

If you are ready to return to Japan, please secure transportation and accommodation by yourself. Please contact the International Student Counseling Service (contact.intl.student@jim.titech.ac.jp) with the date of arrival and the address of location for self-quarantine.

Please be aware that depending on the situation, the handling of this situation may change in the future. If you have any questions, please contact contact.intl.student@jim.titech.ac.jp.

[University support during the 14-day self-quarantine]

〇Financial support

We provide financial support for regular course students and  research students / Japanese language trainee supported by MEXT scholarship the following costs for transit from the airport to the location of self-quarantine, and the costs for self-quarantine.

  • 1st class:To shoulder costs for transportation and accommodation for self-quarantine
    Amount:Maximum 80,000 JPY
  • 2nd class:To shoulder costs only for transportation
    Amount: Maximum 10,000 JPY

Receipts are necessary to sponsor the said amount to your bank account using academic funds.

〇Introduction to travel agencies
We are currently investigating for a travel agency that can assist you in arranging transportation from the airport, and accommodation for self-quarantine. Details will be provided soon.

 

*1 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), July 24, 2020 (continuously revised)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page4e_001053.html
*2 厚生労働省,Q&A on Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus,July 24, 2020 (Japanese only, continuously revised)
https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/kenkou_iryou/covid19_qa_kanrenkigyou_00001.html
*3 COVID-19: President’s message, Tokyo Tech policy, important information to all stakeholders, July 30, 2020 (continuously revised) https://www.titech.ac.jp/english/news/2020/046441.html