Japan has scrapped all border measures aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 since 29 April. Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/tokyo studio
Japan has scrapped all border measures aimed at preventing the spread
of Covid-19. Effective from midnight on 29 April, travellers now
entering Japan from other destinations will no longer be required to
present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test
certificate within 72 hours of departure.
The Japanese government originally intended to lift all remaining
Covid restrictions on 8 May, but the earlier lifting of the measures is
aimed at easing the return for Japanese after travelling overseas during
the Golden Week holiday period.
Furthermore, measures that were being implemented for all travellers
and returnees arriving from China by direct flights (excluding Hong Kong
and Macau), which included random sampling tests, have also been
scrapped. The switch to sample testing was originally introduced in
March to ease border controls.
Sample testing has now been replaced with testing on arrival for
those who show symptoms. These measures apply to all other travellers
and returnees; those who test positive will be required to quarantine at
a designated facility.
China also announced that from 29 April, travellers will no longer be
required to undertake PCR tests, with authorities instead accepting
negative rapid antigen test results, taking within 48 hours before
boarding. Airlines are also not required to make any checks prior to
departure.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning addressed reporters
last week and said the steps were being taken to facilitate cross-border
travel, guided by 'the principle of ensuring safe and orderly travel'.