Foreign Property News | Posted by Aye Myat Thu
The government is considering easing its coronavirus-related travel restrictions as early as Oct. 1 to allow entry to foreign nationals for long-term stays of three months or longer, sources with knowledge of the plans said Wednesday.
Around 1,000 foreign visitors would be allowed into Japan daily under the eased restrictions, with increased testing capacity at airports to accommodate them. Tourists will still be excluded from the country, the sources said.
In an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, Japan has adopted some of the strictest travel restrictions in the world, with even permanent residents unable to re-enter the country without prior permission. Japan currently has an entry ban in place for 159 countries and regions, with foreigners, except for long-term residents, who have been to these areas within 14 days of their arrival being turned away.
The government has already eased travel restrictions for business people going to and from some Asian countries, including Vietnam and Thailand, and in August began allowing foreign students on government grants to enter the country.
According to the sources, the government plans to significantly expand the scope of people who are exempt from the entry ban, with foreign students who are not on government grants, medical staff, athletes and those arriving for cultural activities among those to be allowed in from Oct. 1.
Ref: thejapantimes
