Japan and South Korea near deal to resume business travel

Short- and long-term visits expected to restart as early as October

20201004N haneda airport terminal outside

The international terminal at Tokyo's Haneda Airport: Japan looks to boost coronavirus testing capacity to handle an expected rise in foreign visitors. (Photo by Akiyoshi Inoue)

MASAYA KATO, Nikkei staff writer

October 5, 2020 02:40 JST

TOKYO -- Japan and South Korea look to agree as early as this week on reopening short-term and long-term business travel between the two countries, government sources from both sides say.

Short-term visitors will be able to skip the mandatory two-week quarantine upon entering the other country if they provide proof of a negative coronavirus test along with a trip itinerary. Those arriving for long-term stays, such as resident workers, can enter with a test and two weeks of self-isolation. The arrangement is expected to take effect as soon as this month.