On 18 September, Japan and Singapore opened a reciprocal green lane (RGL) allowing short-term business and official travel to resume between the two countries.
As a safeguard, travellers moving between Japan and Singapore must be tested for COVID-19 pre-departure as well as upon arrival in either country. While they must also submit and adhere to a strict travel itinerary for the duration of their stay, travellers will not be required to observe a 14-day quarantine period.
This special agreement made with Singapore is a promising step towards resuming more flights abroad. Japan has already allowed travel for expatriates and other long-term residents from Cambodia, India, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, travellers must quarantine for 14 days after arrival either at home or in a designated location. Japan is also in talks with Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, New Zealand, and South Korea to ease travel restrictions.
Also proposed but not yet officially announced, is a proposal to allow long-staying visitors with 3-month travel visas. The number of entrants per day with the visa would be limited to 1000, with each person required to take a PCR test and self-quarantine for 14 days on arrival.
