Currently, all Japanese citizens and foreign residents re-entering Japan are required to go into a 14-day quarantine on arrival, to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 coronavirus. However, this policy could change towards the end of October. According to Kyodo News, the Japanese government is looking to exempt all business travellers as well as Japanese citizens and returning foreign residents from the 14-day quarantine requirement.
Japan has already resumed business travel with Singapore and plans to do so with South Korea from end-October. Business travellers from those two countries do not have to undergo a 14-day isolation on arrival. In contrast, this new policy under consideration will apply regardless of which country the traveller is arriving from. The aim of this is to help boost international business activity in Japan.
To skip the two-week isolation period, you will have to submit a detailed plan to the airport quarantine office containing all your movements for the following two weeks, including information on your accommodation and workplace. Nikkei Asia also reports that those exempted from quarantine will not be allowed to use public transport during their first two weeks in Japan. However, to avoid overloading airport staff with increased administration and inspection duties, there will be a daily limit on the number of people eligible for the exemption based on testing capacity at the airport.
We will update this story as new information becomes available.
Follow live updates on the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic in Tokyo and Japan here.
More news
Japan could reopen to tourists from spring 2021
Shibuya’s new tourist information centre opens in Hachiko Square
New JR East Welcome Rail Pass 2020 for foreign residents offers unlimited three-day travel
Kabutocho in Nihonbashi is named Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhood right now