Japan Opening Travel From Singapore for Essential Business Purposes

In a joint press statement with the Singapore government, starting September 18 the Japanese government will begin accepting requests for travel for essential business purposes and official travel to and from Singapore. Permitted travelers will be required to submit proof of a negative PCR test result both prior to departure and upon arrival, as well as adherence to a controlled itinerary for the first 14 days while in the receiving country. Such travelers will not be subject to the 14-day self quarantine measure that is currently required for permitted travelers between the two countries. While this entry procedure will launch September 18, actual travel to and from Singapore will begin one or two days afterwards.

Particular details (including health requirements and application requirements) with respect to this new “business track” will be published by September 18 on Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. For Japan, this is the first travel bubble of its kind. Japan has been engaged in ongoing discussions with South Korea, China, Taiwan and several other countries for similar arrangements.

As a separate measure to permitting entry of certain travelers into the country, starting September 8 the Japanese government began permitting expatriates and long-term assignments to and from Taiwan, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Such permitted individuals will be subject to a 14-day self-quarantine requirement as well as a proof of a negative PCR test result. A similar measure was put in place in late July for expatriates and long-term assignments to and from Thailand and Vietnam.

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