TOKYO – Japan will end its COVID-19 requirements for people arriving in the country starting on Saturday, public broadcaster NHK reported.
The Japanese government currently requires people entering the nation to show proof that they have received three or more vaccinations, among other requirements.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said in a news conference on Friday that the requirements will be lifted for people arriving on Saturday onwards.
Matsuno also said Japan will end random testing of a limited number of people arriving on direct flights from mainland China.
The government initially planned to end the requirements on May 8, when the legal classification of COVID-19 will be downgraded to the lowest level — the same group as seasonal influenza.
Matsuno said the government decided to end the requirements earlier than scheduled to facilitate the return of travelers who will go overseas during the holiday period starting this weekend.
The government plans to continue COVID-19 tests for people entering the country with symptoms including fever and coughing.
