In Exciting News, Malaysia-Japan Travel Bubble Might Open In September

But it’s probably only for expatriates first.

David Edelstein/Unsplash

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Though the ongoing pandemic has made international travel a pipe dream for most of the world, it looks like Japan and Malaysia may soon ease travel restrictions between the two nations.

What you need to know: After a meeting on 14 August between the Japanese and Malaysian Foreign Ministers, Malaysia and Japan agreed to possibly ease travel restrictions between the two nations in early September. However, this only applies to expatriates.

Who said what: The Japanese Foreign Ministry said that this travel bubble is subject to precautionary measures such as a mandatory 14-day quarantine period upon entry into the two countries. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi also told Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein that Japan will make efforts to welcome Malaysian students sponsored by both governments as soon as possible.

How did it get here: Japan’s borders are effectively closed from the world in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and banned foreign nationals from 146 countries and regions from entering.

Malaysia was placed on the list of banned entry on 3 April, but Japan Times reports that the Japanese government has opened talks with 16 nations on setting up restricted travel bubbles.

Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and Vietnam are on Japan’s travel bubble shortlist with Singapore set to join the fold in September, targeting businesspeople and expatriates.

Malaysia has also been eyeing green zone travel bubble areas since July, identifying Australia, Brunei, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam as potential travel bubble destinations.

On 17 August, Malaysia and Singapore opened a restricted travel bubble scheme with strict entry health protocols.

Japan and Singapore to ease COVID-19 travel restrictions from September (Japan Times)

Visiting Japan (Embassy of Japan In Malaysia)

Putrajaya looking at green-zone destinations for travel bubble (FMT)

Malaysians Can Enter Singapore Under Two Special Passes – All The Details (TRP)

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