COVID-19: Border measures to be eased

The Japanese government has announced that it will begin to gradually ease its COVID-19 border measures beginning March 1.

Key Points:

• Authorities will reduce the country’s quarantine from seven to three days for those who receive negative test results on the pre-departure test, post-arrival test and on the test taken on the third day of quarantine.
• Authorities will waive the quarantine requirement for fully vaccinated individuals (two shots and booster) traveling from countries or regions considered to have a low risk for spreading the Omicron variant.
• Authorities will allow foreign nationals and business travelers to enter the country provided that the sponsoring organization has successfully applied for an entry exemption.
• The daily international arrival cap will increase from 3,500 to 5,000 entries per day.

Additional Information: Individuals who are traveling from low-risk countries and have received a COVID-19 booster shot will no longer be required to quarantine. Currently, Japan has only approved three vaccinations; more information on the approved vaccines is available here. Individuals who are traveling from high-risk countries will still be required to quarantine at designated facilities. More information regarding Japan’s current border measures is available here.

BAL Analysis: Border measures may change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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