Japan to End COVID-19 Border Measures Early on April 29th

The Japanese government is reportedly in the process of lifting border measures against COVID-19 at midnight on April 29th, ahead of the Golden Week holidays. The aim is to ease congestion at airports due to increased travel to and from foreign countries.

A formal decision is expected soon, with an announcement on April 28th. Currently, those arriving in Japan, including Japanese citizens returning home, must present a certificate of vaccination for three doses or a negative certificate within 72 hours before leaving their country.

Earlier Plans

Initially, it was scheduled to abolish the border measures on May 8th, after the consecutive holidays, when the position of the new coronavirus under the Infectious Diseases Law would be shifted to “5”, the same as seasonal influenza. However, the lifting of the border measures will now take place earlier than planned.

Purpose of the Move

The primary goal of the move is to ease the congestion at the airport due to the increase in traffic to and from foreign countries during the long holiday period. Currently, it is necessary for travelers, including Japanese nationals returning to Japan, to present a certificate of vaccination for three doses or a negative certificate within 72 hours before leaving the country. However, with the lifting of the border measures, such procedures will no longer be necessary.

Formal Decision and Announcement

A government official has stated that a formal decision on the lifting of the border measures will be made soon, and an announcement will be made on April 28th.

This decision to lift the COVID-19 border measures comes amid a challenging pandemic situation, with Japan still recording many deaths from the virus. As of April 26th, Japan has reported 13,094 new domestic infections, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week.

The decision also coincides with Japan’s selection as a “Cultural City of East Asia” in 2024, with the country keen to showcase its charm to the world.

Latest Japan COVID Restrictions

As of April 2023 (before the official border measure announcement), Japan has implemented various COVID-19 measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Here are some of the latest measures:

Mask usage:

Starting from March 13, 2023, the use of masks will depend on personal choice. However, it is recommended to wear a mask in certain settings, such as medical institutions, visiting medical institutions and nursing homes, and crowded settings such as crowded commuter trains and buses (excluding those that permit seating for all passengers).

Vaccination:

The Japanese government is actively promoting vaccination to protect people from COVID-19. Vaccines are available for free to all eligible residents in Japan, and the vaccination rollout is currently ongoing.

Quarantine measures:

In case of symptoms, those who feel sick or test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to stay home until their symptoms subside. If they have to go out for a hospital, they should avoid crowded settings and wear a mask. People who have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are also required to self-quarantine for a certain period.

Travel restrictions:

The Japanese government has implemented various travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus, including entry bans for certain countries, quarantine measures for international travelers, and restrictions on domestic travel.

Other measures:

The government is also encouraging people to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding crowded places. In addition, various support measures are being implemented to help businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic.

It is important to note that these measures may change depending on the situation and the government’s response to the pandemic. Therefore, it is recommended to stay updated on the latest information and follow the guidelines provided by the Japanese government and health authorities.

Japan COVID Measures FAQ

Source: Jiji