Aug 24 (straitstimes.com) - Japan will waive pre-departure Covid-19 tests for vaccinated travellers to the country, but daily caps on entrants will remain in place, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday (Aug 24).
The requirement for tests will be lifted from Sept 7, Mr Kishida said. No decision has been made yet on a reported plan to raise a daily cap on inbound travellers from 20,000 to 50,000, he added.
"We will continue relaxing these measures gradually," said Mr Kishida, who addressed reporters online as he is recuperating from Covid-19 at his official residence.
Japan has maintained some of the strictest pandemic border measures among major economies, requiring travellers to present a negative coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of departure.
Japan's border is currently only open for those with Japanese nationality, as well as long-term and pre-issued tourism visas. Tokyo stopped their visa waivers for applicable passports during the pandemic. ...continue reading