Japan is planning to remove a ban on overseas travel to Vietnam and 11 other countries next month, the Yomiuri newspaper has reported.
People walk through the Narita Airport with masks following an outbreak of the novel coronavirus in Japan, March 9, 2020. (Photo: Reuters)
The 11 other destinations include China, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia.
However, the Japanese government will recommend travellers continue to refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent visits to prevent imported COVID-19 cases, the newspaper said.
For returning Japanese citizens and holders of long-term visas, some will be exempted from quarantine requirements, it added.
Arrivals from the 12 countries must submit an itinerary and a negative PCR test result on arrival, and will not be allowed to use public transport upon their return.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, Japan has banned travel to 159 countries and regions. Recently, the country eased two-way travel curbs with nations such as the Republic of Korea and Vietnam.