A Japan bubble could be in the pipeline for Aussie and Kiwi travellers very soon, with news that the country could open it’s borders to 10 low-case countries as early as next month.
A glimmer of travel ‘normality’ is coming in the form of international border reopenings and WE. ARE. EXCITED.
Japan will slowly begin to lift its overseas travel bans, as early as next month.
According to Nikkei Asian Review, ‘the government will give priority to 10 countries and regions that have a low number of new coronavirus infections, including Australia, New Zealand, and Vietnam.’
Woohoooo, good news for us!
However, as positive as this news is, don’t go packing your bags just yet.
So, what’s the deal?
As much as we all totally deserve an epic three week culturally immersive holiday to Japan, the people in charge still need to give the go-ahead for recreational travel.
From the start of next month, the Japanese government will lower Australia from a ‘level 3’ to a ‘level 2’ warning. Level 3 basically means no travel whatsoever, whereas level 2 is to avoid nonessential travel. Baby steps, but we’re getting there.
It’s looking likely that the entry requirements will begin with residents and business travellers, followed by mid-to-long term residents, followed by business visitors and finally tourists, down the line.
Japan currently still has international travel bans in operation for 159 countries but has already confirmed a travel bubble with five Asian nations; including Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Taiwan.
The country is reportedly going to see how it goes and is keen to open up and AUS/NZ travel bubble, when the time is right.
What’s would entry look like?
For passengers travelling to Japan, it is highly likely that they’ll have to provide a certificate of COVID-19 test taken 72 hours before departure, have another test taken at the airport and download the COVID-19 tracing app.
A two-week self quarantine will also be in place and passengers will have to avoid all public transport for this period of time too.
If Australia and New Zealand manage to keep the case numbers down, perhaps you could be jetting off on a trip to Japan sooner than you originally thought.
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