The Japanese government is planning to shorten the quarantine period for inbound business travelers with Covid-19 from 10 to three days, NHK reported on Tuesday.
Japan will also reduce quarantine requirements for citizens returning from business trips abroad, which could boost economic exchanges with other countries.
Foreign exchange students and technical interns are stranded in their home countries without knowing their fate due to the COVID-19 pandemic, causing them to delay their trip to Japan.
It is expected that the number of quarantine days will be shortened if employers ensure that they will take necessary COVID-19 measures to ensure travelers’ safety, the Nikkei reported. If new variants appear in other countries, the Japanese government will strengthen entry restrictions, the report said.
Upon arrival, travelers will have to quarantine for three days, as part of a new measure that could begin as soon as Monday, NHK reported Tuesday. Through the fourth day, travelers will be able to leave if they do not test positive for the virus.
Asked on Tuesday whether Japan would ease restrictions based on its effort to combat coronavirus infections at home and abroad and progress in vaccination rollouts, the government’s top spokesman did not confirm nor deny the report.
A number of other countries have recently eased entry restrictions, and from Monday, the United States will take similar measures. Entrants with a valid vaccination card are not required to quarantine upon entry into the UK, France and Italy. Business groups in Japan have been lobbying for easing entry restrictions.
Currently, vaccinated travelers must quarantine for 10 days, but unvaccinated arrivals must quarantine for 14 days either at a designated facility or in an accommodation of their choice, depending on where they come from.
