Japan Considers Allowing Entry of Short-Term Business Visitors Within 3 Days... "Including Korea and China"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The Japanese government is considering further easing the strengthened entry and exit restrictions imposed to prevent the influx of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) by allowing the entry of ultra-short-term business visitors from countries such as Korea and China.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 22nd, the Japanese government is reviewing a plan to permit the entry of business visitors from countries and regions with strong economic ties, such as Korea, China, and Taiwan, for 'ultra-short-term stays' within 72 hours starting next month.

The Japanese government currently issues visas to short-term business travelers staying about one month from three countries including Korea. It also allows the entry of long-term residents such as expatriates from 10 countries including Korea, but entry for ultra-short-term stays within three days is not permitted.

The Yomiuri reported that the countries under consideration for allowing ultra-short-term business visitors include 30 countries with many business travelers visiting Japan. Unlike Korea and China, where COVID-19 is being brought under control, countries where the virus is still spreading, such as the United States and India, are also included, and the final list of target countries will be decided considering all these circumstances.

The Japanese government plans to exempt ultra-short-term visitors from self-quarantine but will require them to undergo polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and prove a negative result, and to comply with certain behavioral restrictions such as prohibition of public transportation use after entry. These measures are the same as those for short-term visitors.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.