TOKYO – The Japanese government on Saturday has lifted all novel coronavirus travel restrictions for visitors and returnees entering the country, in anticipation of a surge in travelers during the Golden Week holiday period that began the same day.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced that travelers are no longer required to present a certificate of negative COVID-19 test results conducted within 72 hours before departure or a valid vaccination certificate of three doses or equivalent.
Initially, the government planned to end the border measures on May 8, the same day that COVID-19 will be downgraded to the same level as seasonal influenza.
Effective May 8, a new genomic surveillance program will be implemented at Haneda Airport, Narita International Airport, Kansai International Airport, Chubu Centrair International Airport and Fukuoka Airport, aimed at monitoring entrants showing symptoms of infectious diseases such as fever and cough. - Florenda Corpuz
(Photo: People are seen at the international arrival lobby of Haneda Airport on April 27, 2023. | Din Eugenio)
