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Japan Reopens (A Little More) to Tourism 🇯🇵
Many people are anxiously waiting for good news from Japan: the country of the Rising Sun began a timid reopening to international tourism only this summer, after two and a half years of borders sealed due to the pandemic.
We've received some positive news from Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Though it's not yet a total reopening for tourism, it's surely a step in the right direction. from September 7th, further restrictions will be lifted for tourists wanting to visit Japan.
We'll tell you about all the news below!
Japan, New Openings to International Tourism
Yesterday, August 31st, the news was announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Below we will compare these changes from the first opening that came in June 2022. In the first two months of the partial reopening of the borders to tourism, just over 8,000 tourists entered Japan.
What Changes?
All the new measures are valid from September 7th, 2022:
Increase in the maximum number of daily admissions from 20,000 to 50,000
Eliminated the obligation to carry out a molecular PCR test within 72 hours before departure for Japan, at least for all those who have carried out at least three doses of a Covid vaccine.
No more compulsory tourist guide, Which required a continuous presence of the guide, from arrival in Japan to departure.
These new measures are applied to all countries of origin, with no distinction of blue, yellow, and red bands for a selection of 98 countries.
Restrictions Still in Place
There are a few restrictions still in force, and as we mentioned we still have to wait for the return to non-organized individual tourism: however, these changes are a positive step in the right direction.
Here Are the Rules from September 7th Onwards:
Entry only with organized travel: it is necessary to book a tourist package at a travel agency or tour operator. The government has not yet finalized the details of what constitutes a package or not, but guidelines will come shortly. Statements from sources from the Ministry of Tourism, however, state that there will still be a need for the support of a Japanese travel agency at this stage, even if the package can obviously be purchased from travel agencies in the country of origin of the tourist. The package route must be pre-determined before departure and cannot be changed during the trip.
Visa requirement: the visa waiver program is still suspended, so it is necessary to apply for a visa at the Japanese consulate or embassy, where compliance with the requirements will be checked. However, the prime minister has hinted that in this respect there will be further simplification in the near future.
Have private travel health insurance.
For entry to Japan, be vaccinated with at least 3 doses against Covid-19 or alternatively carry out a PCR test 72 hours before departure.
What do you think, Pirates?
We hope that the test on the further reopening will work well and that we will soon be able to offer you offers for Japan again, and of course we too book a nice vacation.
For when tourism fully opens, check out these inspirational stays below!