Japanese authorities, which have long pursued a tough policy on Covid-19, have finally capitulated and are set to fully open their borders to tourism next month after more than two years of strict border restrictions due to Covid-19. In particular, the daily entry limit for new arrivals, which was increased to 50,000 at the beginning of September, will be abolished. Experts found the currently available permits to be ineffective.
For now, due to covid, tourists must obtain a mandatory visa – previously tourists from 68 countries could do without it – and also prepare an approved route in advance through an accredited travel agency. Pre-flight tests for COVID-19 have also been canceled only for revaccinated tourists with a recognized vaccine.
However, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said he plans to bring Japan’s COVID-19 restrictions in line with those of other G-7 countries. At a press conference, Kishida said, “Our fight against the virus is not easy, but we must not be afraid.” At the same time, experts note that Japan is currently the only country among the G-7 that still has restrictions on arrival. However, the government is reluctant to name the timing of the easing of measures. So far, Kishida has said border restrictions will be eased “as soon as possible.”
So far, there is an increase in tourists, but its scale is modest. In June, less than 300 foreign tourists entered Japan, in August 8,000 tourists visited the country in the morning sun.