After rescheduling the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next year, the land of the rising sun has announced that they will be reopening its borders for tourism this September. That is to say, Japan plans to start accepting travelers in three stages. For the first stage, essential travelers including business travelers, experts, and trainees. For the second stage, students and other educational-based arrivals. And for the last stage, general tourists.
Who Will Be Able To Enter Japan?
According to the Japanese Government, they are planning to first reopen borders for travelers from:
- Singapore
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- China
- Malaysia
While Japan’s reopening is currently being prepared, the list above is a starting list where the coronavirus has been contained or which have important ties to Japan.
Are There Any Tests and/or Quarantine Upon Entry?
Arriving travelers who have recently visited a country affected by COVID-19 or who show symptoms will have to undergo tests at the airport and wait for the test results to arrive, which usually takes 2-3 hours. Furthermore, all arriving travelers, including those who did not get tested, will have to undergo a self-quarantine at a designated location (usually at a hotel or at home) and may not use public transportation for 14 days upon arrival.
However, the Japanese government has stated that travelers who obtain a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival, and agree to have another test done upon arrival, can circumvent the 14-day quarantine, providing both tests are negative.
Safety Measures and Health Protocols
As of now, there’s no law in place regarding in-public mask wearing and social distancing.
What’s Open in Japan?
- Public transportation in Japan is open with reduced capacity.
- Restaurants and bars in Japan are open in reduced capacity and under social distancing instructions.
- Non-essential businesses and some leisure attractions are resuming.
- In addition, large events and gatherings remain suspended.
You may check out Japan on our live map.
Sources: Japan Travel | Japan Guide
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