Japan Removes Travel Ban on 9 Countries to Revive Battered Economy

Japan has relaxed its travel ban for business travellers from nine countries, including Singapore, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China, effective last Sunday.

• Business travellers from Brunei, New Zealand, and South Korea would also be allowed to enter the country via a newly established “Business Track”, subject to a successful application.

• These visitors are exempt from a 14-day quarantine provided they provide proof of a pre-entry negative COVID-test and track location data for 14 days. In addition, they will have to submit a schedule of activities, including their place of residence, business destinations, and close contacts, for more effective contact tracing.

• However, tourists and foreign nationals from 152 high-risk countries are still barred from entering Japan, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Why it matters: This will be the first time Japan has permitted inbound travel for foreign nationals since the inception of the pandemic in February.

• The government hopes to boost foreign investment and capital expenditure to help the country’s economy recover from its worst recession since WW2.

By the numbers: The economy posted its third consecutive quarter of declining GDP, witnessing a 7.9% drop in Q2 2020. A further contraction of 5.5% is forecasted in the upcoming fiscal year.

• Japan’s government has poured JPY 234 trillion in COVID-19 stimulus packages since the onset of the pandemic, which has raised concerns about the country’s growing debt.