Immigration ban set to be eased

The government is preparing to reopen the country to first- time visitors who plan to stay three months or longer, in an effort to jump-start an economy that has stagnated during the coronavirus crisis.

Entrants will be limited to a maximum of approximately 1,000 people per day to limit the risk of infections. The plan is scheduled to go into effect from early October at the earliest.

Foreign students will be allowed to enter the country. However, limitations on short-term visitors, such as tourists, will still apply. The government plans to make a final decision in the near future at a National Security Council meeting after assessing the rates of infection in each country.

Various conditions will apply. Visitors must have confirmation of negative results from two PCR tests, one before departure and another upon arrival. People must also quarantine for 14 days at a hotel or other location after arrival.

Finally, admittance from a country will be temporarily suspended if a visitor from that country is found to be infected after entering Japan.

Japan currently prohibits first- time foreign visitors in principle. However, to resume the flow of people, the government is negotiating with 16 countries and regions where the coronavirus is relatively under control. International travel for business purposes has partially resumed with eight countries and regions, including Vietnam and Thailand.

The Yomiuri Shimbun An All Nippon Airways crew member mans a gate at Haneda Airport.