Japan to Significantly Ease Entry Restrictions Starting Next Month

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] The Japanese government will significantly ease entry restrictions starting next month.

At a regular press conference on the 20th, Matsuno Irokazu, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary, announced that from the 1st of next month, the daily number of entrants will be increased from 10,000 to 20,000.

Matsuno explained that COVID-19 testing, which had been conducted for all entrants, will be exempted for those entering Japan from countries with a low risk of infection.

Approximately 80% of countries and regions, including the Group of Seven (G7), are expected to be included in the exemption from COVID-19 testing upon entry to Japan.

Matsuno stated that this will facilitate the majority of entries into Japan starting next month. The specific countries and regions eligible for exemption from testing and quarantine upon entry will be announced next week.

The Japanese government decided to ease entry restrictions as the number of new COVID-19 infections showed a gradual decline even after the year’s largest holiday period, which lasted from the end of last month to early this month.