Japan to reopen borders to Taiwanese business travelers next week

ROC Central News Agency

09/01/2020 03:30 PM

Taipei, Sept. 1 (CNA) Japan will soon reopen its borders to Taiwanese business travelers, provided that a set of coronavirus prevention measures are followed, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said Tuesday.

Any Taiwanese who wants to travel to Japan for business should present proof of a job offer or an invitation from a Japanese entity and apply for a visa at the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association (JTEA), MOFA said in a statement.

A Taiwanese business traveler who wishes to visit Japan should test negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure, MOFA said, citing requirements from Japan's foreign ministry.

The passenger will be tested again at the Japanese airport where he or she arrives and be subject to a 14-day quarantine at home or at a designated facility, MOFA added.

The measures will be implemented in September, MOFA said, referring travelers to JTEA's website for details and updates.

MOFA said the relaxing of travel restrictions for Taiwanese travelers showed Japan's recognition of the effectiveness of Taiwan's handling of the COVID-19 outbreak and will be beneficial to business exchanges.

Meanwhile, JTEA said on its website that the relaxing of travel restrictions for Taiwanese businessmen will take effect on Sept. 8.

As a COVID-19 control measure, Japan has banned most foreign travelers from entering the country since February. It first eased its travel restrictions for four countries -- Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand and Australia -- in June.

On July 22, Japan's government announced that it will begin to negotiate the easing of travel restrictions with 12 more countries, including Taiwan.

(By Emerson Lim)

Enditem/ls