Japan welcomes EU decision to reopen borders

Japan on Wednesday welcomed the European Union's decision to reopen its borders to travellers from 14 countries including Japan.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan appreciates the move, but it is still considering and preparing towards a reopening of its borders for the EU and other countries.

Japan currently allows "exceptional travel" on condition of additional coronavirus safety measures for travellers from Vietnam, and is in preparations to do so with Thailand, Australia and New Zealand.

The EU bloc made the announcement on Tuesday and will begin lifting restrictions from Wednesday.

Citizens from the following countries will be allowed into the EU's 27 members and four other nations in Europe's visa-free Schengen travel zone: Algeria, Australia, Canada, Georgia, Japan, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Serbia, South Korea, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.