The Japanese government is planning to ease entry restrictions for short-term business travellers from 30 countries and regions starting in November, as part of plans to help the economy recover.
Under the plan, business travellers arriving in Japan would be required to submit a negative Covid-19 test before arrival, and an itinerary of their activities during their stay. Though they will not be required to quarantine in their hotels, they would have to avoid public transportation, according to reports in the Japanese press.
China and Japan are expected to conclude an agreement on the mutual reopening of their borders for business travel within this month. This deal will exclude expats and long-term residents, who are still required to undergo 14 days of self-isolation upon arrival in Japan.
The resumption of business travel from China is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the economy. China is the largest source of business travellers to Japan, totalling 370,000 arrivals in 2019, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation.
Earlier, Japan signed an agreement with Singapore in August, followed by South Korea and Vietnam, both in October.
The South Korea deal is considered another vital step for Japan as the country is the second-largest source of business travellers to Japan, accounting for 310,000 arrivals in 2019.
Talks continue to set up similar plans with other Asia-Pacific countries whose Covid-19 transmission rate is seen as under control.
