Jul 24 (Daily Mail) - Japan has announced plans to remove overseas travel bans imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, with Australia and New Zealand at the head of the queue.
The country's prime minister, Shinzo Abe, confirmed on Wednesday his government will consider easing restrictions with countries where the outbreak is under control.
This will include Asian countries including China, South Korea and Taiwan, as well as Pacific partners Australia and New Zealand.
It's promising news for jetsetting Australians, but overseas travel currently off-limits unless they have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
But there are ongoing calls for a coronavirus travel bubble between countries such as New Zealand and Australia with the likes of Japan and South Korea.
Overseas visitors would be tested twice for coronavirus and must provide an itinerary of their trip as part of the strict conditions of being granted entry into Japan, which is the world's fourth biggest economy.
Entry will initially be restricted to business travellers, experts and trainees only with students and tourists to eventually follow.
