Japan To Require Covid-19 Test On Arrival For China Travelers

Prime minister, Fumio Kishida announced on Tuesday that Japan will require a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival for travellers from mainland China as a result of rapid spread of the virus in the country.

Tokyo has relaxed its rules for tourists in recent months and the move means travellers from China will be the only visitors required to take Covid-19 tests on arrival, other than those who are displaying symptoms.

Kishida made it known on Tuesday that the decision was taken because “there is information that infection is spreading rapidly” in China.

“It is difficult to ascertain the precise situation due to major discrepancies between central and local authorities and between the government and private sector,” he told reporters.

“This is causing growing concern in Japan.”

The move comes after Beijing announced that inbound travellers will no longer be required to quarantine on arrival from January 8 after three years of strict pandemic control.

China abruptly lifted many of its harsh Covid restrictions after nationwide protests and is seeing an unprecedented surge in infections.