ASIA

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 31 August 2022, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that as of 7 September up to 50,000 inbound travelers will be allowed to enter Japan daily, a notable increase from the current limit of 20,000 travelers per day due to concerns over COVID-19. Tourists will also be permitted to purchase unguided tours; only guided trips to Japan are currently allowed. However, individual tourists will continue to be banned. Individuals with proof of three doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be required to provide proof of a negative pre-departure coronavirus test for entry into the country.

South Korea (Security threat level – 1): On 31 August 2022, South Korean officials announced that the pre-departure COVID-19 PCR test requirement for all inbound travelers will be lifted as of 3 September. Passengers will no longer be required to present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours or a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) taken within the 24 hours prior to their departure for South Korea, regardless of their vaccination status. However, travelers are still required to take a PCR test within the first 24 hours after their arrival in South Korea. Health officials eased the restriction after daily coronavirus cases in the country declined to approximately 100,000 in recent weeks.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 31 August 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Naha issued a Weather Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Typhoon Hinnamnor continues to track towards Okinawa and Japan’s weather officials warn that the storm may hit Japan’s southwestern islands with strong rains and heavy winds.

“Officials warn of powerful gusts, high waves, mudslides, and flooding in low-lying areas. Heavy rains are expected to begin late Wednesday and continue through late Friday.”

The full text of the alert is available here.