(November 2022)

Countries all around the world are opening to business travelers, and while some in Asia have been slightly slower than others to remove restrictions, the opening of both Japan and Hong Kong over the past few weeks is setting the pace for the entire region.

This past week, Japan has completely lifted its daily cap of 50,000 arrivals and recommenced visa-free independent travel for those arriving from any of the 68 countries including the U.S.

Known for their quality, innovation and loyalty to business partners, Japan’s opening of the borders will be instrumental due to its impact on the GDP through their export of manufactured goods and agricultural products.

Business travelers were welcomed back to Hong Kong in September after nearly 2 ½ years of restrictions.

While Hong Kong was maintaining their entry restrictions earlier this year, Singapore opened its borders in February luring the business community as the new, albeit possibly temporary, Asian financial hub while maintaining their hold as experts in digital technology. Hong Kong’s decision to reopen for business will have a keen impact on reinstating their dominance in the financial industry

Proof of either a government issued certificate confirming you have received at least three shots of a vaccine recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), or obtaining a certificate confirming the negative status of a Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for Japan from your country of origin. In either instance, travelers will be required to complete a pre-arrival questionnaire available online using the country’s ‘Fast Track’ service.

All inbound persons are required to complete the online Health Declaration Form of the Department of Health prior to their arrival at Hong Kong. If arriving from overseas or Taiwan, passengers are required to produce a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) within 24 hours prior to the scheduled time of departure of the flight to Hong Kong.

As business travel resumes within Asia, it’s important to note that China maintains its entry restrictions of a 10-day mandatory quarantine that must be paid by the traveler prior to arriving in the country. This restriction is expected to continue through the end of 2022, presenting a potential cost of entry hurdle that many foreign businesses might not be willing to bear.

For detailed entry requirements for all Asian cities, visit Travel Incorporated’s Entry Assist link in partnership with
Business Travel News.