Japan to remove travel ban for 12 countries including Vietnam next month

Japan is planning to remove travel ban for 12 countries including Vietnam next month, according to Yomiuri newspaper.
October 09, 2020 | 09:01
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People walk through the Narita Airport with masks following an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Japan, March 9, 2020. Photo: Reuters

The 11 other destinations include China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, and Malaysia.

However, the Japanese government will recommend travelers continue to refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent visits to prevent imported COVID-19 cases, the newspaper said.

For returning Japanese citizens and holders of long-term visas, some will be exempted from quarantine requirements, it added.

Arrivals from the 12 countries must submit an itinerary and a negative PCR test result on arrival, and will not be allowed to use public transport upon their return.

Previously, a firm in Tokyo welcomed three new employees from Vietnam after a four-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Three employees were originally due to join the company in June after graduating from university in Vietnam.

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Three Vietnamese employees entered Japan Photo: NHK

Japan eased entry restrictions for foreign nationals, including students and business people, but excluding tourists. Those travelers must be accepted by entities or organizations capable of ensuring they have tested negative for the virus before entering Japan. After arrival, they have to stay in self-isolation for 14 days and avoid using public transportation during the period.

The government is considering limiting the number of entries to about 1,000 each day. At the same time, it will increase virus testing capacity at airports, government sources said earlier.

Expatriates and other long-term residents have been allowed to come from some Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand. Foreign students on government grants can also enter the country.

Previously, Singapore has also announced that it would unilaterally lift border restrictions to visitors from Australia - excluding Victoria State - and Vietnam from Oct 8.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said that these two countries both have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and have successfully controlled the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak, StraitsTimes reported.

"The risk of importation from these countries is low," said the authority, noting that over the last days, Vietnam had zero local Covid-19 cases.

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