In early April, the Japanese government announced plans to drop the Covid-19 border control measures starting on Monday May 8. However, the government brought forward these plans to Saturday April 29, just in time for the start of the Golden Week holidays.
As reported by Kyodo News, the decision was brought forward in anticipation of more tourists during Golden Week, which also began on April 29. Under this change, travellers entering Japan are no longer required to present proof of three Covid-19 vaccinations or a negative test taken 72 hours before departure.
Starting Monday May 8, Covid-19's legal status will be downgraded to the same as common diseases like the seasonal flu. Additionally, Kyodo News also reports that Japan will start a new surveillance programme at Haneda, Narita and three other major airports in the country, where entrants with symptoms will be asked to undergo a voluntary test to detect new diseases.
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