Japan May Relax Covid Travel Rules — And Days of Counting Will Take a Lifting
Fewer Tests, Bigger Crowds
Japan, long known as the “passport‑tightest” of the G7, is eyeing a change that would let vaccinated passengers skip the mandatory 72‑hour pre‑departure test. The move could roll in a few weeks, according to the Nikkei.
Meanwhile, officials are eyeing a jump in the daily intake cap from 20 000 to 50 000 travellers, potentially next month, the Fuji News Network reports.
When Will It Happen?
The Chief Cabinet Secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, keeps the exact timeline a bit hazy, saying it’ll depend on how Covid is behaving both at home and abroad.
“We’ll keep the health guard in place while we loosen the reins of the economy in stages, matching the two concerns side by side,” he told reporters.
Who’s Got the Mic?
The Foreign Ministry acknowledged the chatter but deflected the question, pointing respondents toward the Health Ministry, the body that actually makes border‑infection rules.
As of now, the Health Ministry hasn’t offered a statement.
Big‑League Voices Are Calling for a Shift
Business groups from Japan and abroad are waving flags: the stricter border controls risk letting the country lag behind its peers. The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan wants policies that line up with other G7 nations to reinforce Japan’s image as a friendly, open country.
European and American lobbies even want Japan to re‑introduce visa‑waiver eligibility for tourist and business travelers, calling it a major hurdle for companies with no local presence.
It’s Already Open — But With Hints of a Masked Welcome
Japan already opened its borders to tourists in June after a two‑year hiatus, albeit with visa requirements and guided tours. The new shifts could make the country feel even more welcoming, cutting away outdated lane‑by‑lane procedures and, frankly, letting a few more people in on the sunny side.
Heads‑Up: Health is Still a Priority
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who just recovered from his own Covid bout, told reporters that Japan’s border measures should match those of other G7 nations. The pandemic still lingers, but the country’s readiness to adapt is promising.
Takeaway
- Tests might be waived for vaccinated travellers in a few weeks.
- Daily inbound caps could surge from 20 000 to 50 000 soon.
- Debate on timing continues, hinging on global and domestic Covid trends.
- Business voices urge for smoother visa handling and more open borders.
- Japan’s incremental step may signal a bigger pivot toward a more open economy.
