Currently 159 countries and regions are in the no-entry list of Japan. It has recently eased the restrictions for foreign residents and made travel agreements with many Asian countries. In a recent report, The Japan Times disclosed that the government is planning to put safety measures in place for overseas travelers before the Olympic Games and that entry bans could be lifted by April 2021.
As the postponed Olympic Games is around the corner, Japan is busy planning safety and security protocols, not just for athletes but also for spectators travelling from abroad.
Safety measures include asking visitors to download a health check app. If visitors agree to update the app with their health condition every day for a period of two weeks, they may be allowed to go without spending 14 days in quarantine.
Foreign tourists might also be required to purchase private medical insurance before their trip in case of coronavirus infection. Similarly, the government is looking to set up special consultation centres for travellers to deal with any health issues relating to the virus.
Undergoing COVID-19 tests before and on arrival in Japan, which is currently required of all foreign residents coming into the country, is also likely to be mandatory for the projected trial period in April 2021.
