Japan border restrictions
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida takes part in a press conference to update the country about the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and certain border restrictions, in Tokyo on Feb. 17, 2022. Source: David Mareuil/Pool/AFP

Here’s the latest update on the Japan border restrictions: foreigners will be allowed to return to Japan for reasons other than tourism, said local reports. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced today that the country would allow new entries of foreign nationals, including international students and business travellers, from March. 

“We are gradually walking toward the exit of the sixth wave,” Kishida was quoted saying by The Japan Times. “We need to start preparing for the next phase, in stages.”

The decision comes following growing calls from universities, business leaders, and ruling party members to ease entry restrictions. There have been concerns over the economic effects of the border closure on the country, said the report.

Japan border restrictions

International students have been waiting with bated breath to return. Source: Kazuhiro Nogi/AFP

Japan border restrictions: Shorter quarantine 

Kishida was quoted saying that he will shorten the quarantine period for all arrivals to three days, while those travelling from countries where the outbreak is under control may be exempted from quarantine entirely. 

The daily cap on the number of people allowed to enter Japan will be raised from 3,500 to 5,000. Kishida added: “It is just the first step. I will continue considering how much we can ease measures” on Japan’s border restrictions.

Close to 150,000 international students who have been issued visas are still waiting to enter the country.