Almost a year into the global coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic and it seems that worst is behind us. Japan is the latest country to step forward with plans to reopen its borders to welcome international travellers.
Japan prepares to reopen its borders
As reported by Hypebeast, the Asian nation made the announcement shortly after granting non-citizens leeway to return to work and school as a measure of easing lockdown restrictions.
The phased reopening of Japan’s economy has been met with optimism by the world’s stock market and things appear to be headed in the right direction.
What date will Japan allow international visitors?
For one, the Tokyo Olympics which were supposed to take place this year have been rescheduled for July 2021, two months after the international travel ban has been lifted.
Yes, South African travellers, if everything goes according to plan, you could be jetting off to Japan as early as April 2021.
However, it won’t be as easy and simple of a trip as it was pre-Covid.
What every SA traveller needs to know
The trial will be underwritten by strict protocols that will be observed at ports of entry upon arrival, during the tourist’s stay and on departure.
Here’s what we know so far:
- Travellers will have to download and sign up to a health management app that will be used to record their temperature and viral symptoms for the period of their stay in the country
- A Fever Health Consultation Support Centre will be launched to provide on-demand services for international travellers who display fluish symptoms
- Travellers who test negative for the virus will be granted a certificate and allowed into the country with little to no hassle
- If a traveller tests positive for Covid-19 upon arrival, they will be forced to take on private medical insurance to cover medical treatment and other sundry costs, and placed into isolated quarantine for 14 days.
At this time, no final announcements have been made on the limit that will be placed on international visitors, if there will be any at all.