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TOKYO: Japan said it would from Tuesday temporarily tighten visa rules for citizens of Mexico, the centre of the swine flu outbreak, meaning they can no longer obtain a visa on arrival.
"The foreign ministry is scheduled today to order the Japanese embassy in Mexico to temporarily suspend a visa waiver programme and tighten visa screening procedures there," a Japanese foreign ministry official told AFP.
"This is part of our effort to stop the virus from entering our country at the border."
Japan has visa-waiver agreements with more than 60 countries and territories, including Mexico, allowing its nationals to obtain visas on arrival rather than apply in advance at diplomatic missions.
Japan on Tuesday also urged people to avoid trips to Mexico and other countries hit by the deadly human swine flu after the World Health Organisation raised its flu pandemic alert level.
"I ask people to consider avoiding trips to Mexico and other affected countries," health minister Yoichi Masuzoe said.
"It is also very important to take preventive measures individually by washing hands, gurgling and avoiding crowded areas," he told a special news conference, while asking people to act calmly.
The number of confirmed cases in the United States doubled to 40 on Monday, while Britain and Spain recorded their first swine flu victims.
Mexico said the number of confirmed and suspected deaths from the flu had risen to 149, while some 1,600 people were thought to be infected.
The WHO raised its alert level from three to four, signalling a "significant increase in risk of a pandemic" under its criteria.
Japan has strengthened airport checks and other border health controls, and hastened flu vaccine development to prevent the entry of swine flu.
- AFP/yb
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