S. Korea voices regret over Japan's extension of entry restrictions

SEOUL, May 25 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's foreign ministry on Monday expressed regret over Japan's decision to extend its entry restrictions for South Korean visitors over the new coronavirus.

Earlier in the day, Japan notified South Korea of its decision to extend the restrictions, including the suspension of a visa-waiver program and a 14-day quarantine for arrivals from the country, by another month until end-June.

"It is regrettable that Japan has continued to maintain entry restrictions against South Korea, where coronavirus infections have been stabilized," an official at the foreign ministry said.

Tokyo imposed the entry restrictions in early March when virus cases were surging in South Korea. Seoul also suspended a visa-waiver program for Japan in a tit-for-tat response.

"The government will take additional measures, if needed, while closely monitoring infections reported in Japan," the official added.

The ministry said Seoul will urge Tokyo to lift the restrictions at an early date, aside from its efforts to seek regional cooperation to contain the spread of the virus.

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