Specifically, those who come to Japan for short-term business trips, have been fully vaccinated with two doses of Covid-19 vaccine, and have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 virus within 72 hours before entering the country, will have their self-quarantine period shortened from 10 days to 3 days. After completing the 3-day quarantine, entrants must undergo a PCR test. If negative, they can participate in social activities without restrictions.
An airport in Chiba prefecture instructs incoming passengers to take Covid-19 tests in September. - Photo: KYODO
According to Nikkei Asia, in addition to those coming to Japan for business purposes, the new regulations will also apply to international students and technical interns, with the mandatory condition that businesses and universities must commit to managing their activities during the self-quarantine period. In addition, Japanese citizens returning home from overseas business trips will also be quarantined for a similar short period.
Also in the roadmap to loosen entry restrictions, the Japanese Government is expected to increase the number of foreigners allowed to enter the country from 3,500 people/day to 5,000 people/day, starting from the end of this month.
This measure was introduced in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic being well controlled and the vaccination rate in this country is quite high, with 70% of the population having been vaccinated. Meanwhile, the business community of this country also called on the Government to relax entry measures to restore business activities.
Previously, Japan had tightened entry restrictions since January 2021, after the emergence of highly contagious variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the community. During this time, only foreigners with "special circumstances", such as those with re-entry permits, spouses or children of Japanese citizens, were allowed to enter Japan.
