Coronavirus: Japan reopens to business travel, students; Australians search for fake vaccination certificates

Japan closed its borders to virtually all foreign visitors in January, except for those with special permits and for humanitarian purposes

Singapore’s Vaccinated Travel Lanes programme now extends to nearly a dozen countries, including Britain, the US, Germany, Canada and France

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People seen at the Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. Photo: AP

Published: 9:18am, 8 Nov 2021Updated: 10:56pm, 8 Nov 2021

Japan on Monday began easing border controls for fully vaccinated visitors excluding tourists, responding to requests from the business community following a rapid decline in infections.

The new rules allow business travellers to undergo quarantine for three days, down from the 10-day period formerly applied to vaccinated Japanese nationals and foreigners with residency in Japan when returning from business trips.

Those seeking to stay in the country over the long term, including foreign students and workers on so-called technical internship programmes, from Monday morning can again apply for entry – but must undergo at least 10 days’ quarantine upon arrival.

Commuters pictured in Tokyo last month. Japan’s daily Covid-19 caseload has fallen sharply since September. Photo: AP

All travellers must have been fully inoculated with one of the three vaccines approved by the Japanese government – those developed by Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca.

Companies need to submit documentation for business travellers, including planned itineraries and written pledges to follow antivirus measures while in Japan.

A health ministry official said it may take a week or two before the first travellers granted shorter quarantine periods arrive in the country.