Japan will allow the entry into the country of up to 250 foreigners per day from Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and New Zealand, Kyodo News reported.
The new quota will initially only apply to business travellers, such as engineers and executives.
Countries chosen for economic ties and bringing Covid-19 under control
A government source quoted by the Japanese media outlet added that these four countries had been chosen as they have strong economic ties with Japan, as well as having brought the Covid-19 outbreak under control.
The plan was first hinted at on June 1, in which the Japanese government stated that it was considering easing travel restrictions for some countries.
Details of the plan are expected to be finalised soon, with Japan aiming to introduce it sometime during its summer season.
Easing of restrictions is expected to be mutual
The Mainichi further reported that the easing of restrictions is expected to be mutual with the selected countries and that discussions are currently taking place on doing so without facilitating the spread of Covid-19.
Details regarding the specific number of travellers from each country, along with the extent of the freedom of movement for the travellers, are still being worked out.
The Japanese government is also looking at expanding the allowance of entry to other countries, such as China, South Korea and the U.S. at a later period, depending on the situation.
Japan has a travel ban on 111 countries, including Singapore
Japan currently bans travellers from 111 countries, including Singapore.
Japanese nationals returning from one of these countries need to serve a 14-day quarantine at a designated location, and undergo testing.
Foreign visitors to Japan fell by 99 per cent in May 2020.
Top photo by nakashi via Flickr