Japan and Indonesia shut their doors to foreign arrivals

Thinking of visiting Japan in January? Think again. 

Japanese authorities have banned all non-resident foreign nationals from entering the country as they seek to contain a new infectious Covid-19 strain.

The ban takes place with immediate effect and was followed by Indonesia imposing a similar ban. That means Bali is also off limits. 

Japan's Foreign Ministry said the new entry ban will continue until January 31, 2021.

Japan has already restricted travellers from the UK and South Africa, where more infectious strains of the virus have been detected.

It tightened restrictions after seven people in two days were found to be infected with a new strain of Covid-19, including five who had travelled from the UK.

The re-entry of Japanese nationals is subject to negative Covid-19 test results, and they must self-isolate for a period of two weeks.

Foreign nationals arriving under business travel agreements or who had already obtained landing permission before Monday will be allowed to enter the country, providing they have not visited the UK or South Africa within 14 days. 

Japanese nationals and foreign nationals with valid residence permits will be able to enter Japan whether or not they have visited those countries.

Indonesia's ban runs from January 1 to January 14. 

Indonesians returning home will need negative Covid tests and must quarantine on arrival.