By contrast,Fuji TV is treating this as a done deal, using less ambiguous language. Japan needs more than just new visa options to attract highly skilled workers, Japan to rename sex crime to highlight illegality of nonconsensual intercourse, How the Russia-Ukraine war has changed Japans economic outlook, Japan moves toward approving abortion pill in major shift, Walking 5,000-7,000 steps each day is enough for greater longevity, Japanese study finds. If you are triple-vaxxed (ie, boosted), you do NOT need proof of a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Japan. Koike said that Japans borders would fully reopen soon. Easy. This may also mean the end of the Visit Japan Web app. Hi Tom, You all made the (repeated) cancellations and premature excitement a bit more bearable. Unlike the ever-sensational, click-hungry news, it was immediately clear whether something had actually happened (and thereby I could close out of the tab without being sucked into the latest round of Corona-related doom and gloom), and unlike virtually any other Japan-centric community Id encountered so far, it was a positive and generally healthy environment with a pleasant, level-headed and responsible leader at its helm. In fact, you should act fast: the crowds are going to return, but it will take several months before we get back to the jam-packed conditions of 2019. Even though the Japanese government relaxed a prior mandate in late May, many people are still wearing masks outdoors. Japansreclassification of COVID-19 to Class 5 came after a panel of experts under the health ministry agreed on the plan earlier in the day. . FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TRAVEL, TRIPS & OFFERS TO JAPAN: The perfect itinerary for first-time visitors to Japan: cities, countryside, hot springs, great food, history and culture. For more details, see our Japan Covid vaccination and testing page. Then, on September 7th, independent travel became possible, but still needed to be booked through a government-authorised agency and required a visa. Its been our perspective that this was a necessary prerequisite towelcoming individual tourists as there would no longer be a need for a responsible receiving party to monitor travelers and act as a liaison for infected individuals. Aug 31, 2022. Travel restrictions such as visa requirements and arrival caps were removed on October 11th, and Japan is fully open for tourism. This assumes thatJapan downgrades COVID-19 from its special status to Category 5 literally any day now orthat this is not a necessary prerequisite to an individual tourist reopening. TOKYO Japan will open its borders to foreign tourists in June for the first time since imposing tight pandemic travel restrictions about two years ago, but only for package tours for now . Current state of tourism: fully open to international tourism Read about coronavirus manners in Japan. There are thousands of hotels and other tourist-oriented industries in the city. . That would mean individual tourists would not be welcomed back to Japan until sometime in the first half of 2023. Its akin to the experience we had when we started InsideJapan in the year 2000, back when the idea of Kyoto being over-touristed seemed impossible. For better or worse, Japan is an insular and culturally conservative countrya characteristic that is often valued by visitors. If you want to travel to Japan for work: check the true nature of the work offered; get the correct visa before arriving in Japan; get legal advice before signing any contract It now appears that the time is hereor coming very soon. To enjoy our content, please include The Japan Times on your ad-blocker's list of approved sites. It is finally over. Visa-free travel is possible for all countries that originally had this arrangement with Japan, which includes countries like Australia, New Zealand, the UK, most of Europe, the US and Canada. Im inclined to say Spring 2023, but its easy to envision a worst-case that isnt until summer. Japans decision last month to drop pre-departure testing, a full list of all the countries and regions eligible for visa-free travel to Japan, huge demand from travellers to visit without booking through an agency, youll soon be able to spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free. Domestic hurdles: the possible come back of GoTo Travel and July's election. What were those, you ask? I wish you all the best with your upcoming tripsthanks again for everything. Entering Japan This is something weve pointed out in our best and worst case scenarios in prior updates, but theres only a limited amount of time between waves. Asia Welcomes Travelers, but Japan Says, Not Yet Countries across region are reopening borders to tourists, but Japan continues to turn them away. "We will lift the ceiling of the . Life in the country is normal, everything is open, but there are only a tiny proportion of international visitors, especially without tourists from neighbouring China. So, youll be able to have the place mostly to yourself and everything will seem positively cheap! Japan is finally open! 1) Register for "Visit Japan Web". (With the possible workaround of travel insurance or some other awkward fix.). tomthanks for ALL the help.I was told I need the MYSOS app to enter now, but there is mixed information on JapanWeb. Japan has maintained fairly strict border control since the pandemic began however as of October 11th, 2022, all COVID restrictions and border controls have been lifted. Lets have a proper look at what has changed for those planning to travel to Japan in 2022 and what to expect when you finally do get here. Visit our main site to read more about this topic or contact one of our specialists. js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; Its made it slightly more bearable having a community to discuss all the news coming out of Japan especially since group tours first became a reality. Japan has vilified and scapegoated foreigners and had an overly aggressive approach to its borders. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Japan. The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party recognizes these problems and realizes it needs to rebuild Japans economy. Contact, Vancouver: Air Canada, ANA, Japan Airlines, American Airlines, Seattle: ANA, Japan Airlines, Delta, American, United, San Francisco: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Los Angeles: Zipair, United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Chicago: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, Dallas/Fort Worth: American, Japan Airlines, New York: United, American, ANA, Japan Airlines, London: British Airways, ANA, Japan Airlines, Frankfurt: Lufthansa, ANA, Japan Airlines, Finnair, British Airways, Helsinki: Finnair, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Bangkok: Thai, Bangkok Airways, Thai AirAsia X, ZIPAIR, ANA, Japan Airlines, HCMC: Viet Jet Air, Vietname, VietJet Air, ANA, Japan Airlines, Hong Kong: Cathay, Hong Kong Express, ANA, Japan Airlines, Taipei: China Airlines, EVA, Scoot, Starlux, ANA, Japan Airlines, Singapore: Singapore Airlines, ZIPAIR, ANA, Japan Airlines, Seoul: Korean Air, Asiana, Ethiopian, ANA, Japan Airlines, For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my, Check Kyoto accommodation availability on, Need tips on where to stay? This is specifically forunguided tour groups or non-escorted visitors on package tours andnotindividual tourists. In May, 2022, a highly anticipated announcement by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida led many to despair. This error message is only visible to WordPress admins, InsideJapan Tours, an award winning travel brand specializing in group tours, tailormade travel and cultural experiences across Japan, Tokaido Trail - the original InsideJapan group tour, DOWNLOAD OUR BRAND NEW 2022/2023 BROCHURE. Sheesh! Japan has some of the biggest, boldest and most exciting cities in the world, frozen-in-time samurai towns, remote alpine villages, tiny islands brimming with contemporary art, and mountaintop temple communities unchanged for centuries. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; The government is planning to submit a bill in October, which could give accommodation operators more authority to impose these types of infection control measures. Thats all we need, more authority (power), given to an already power drunk country, to impose more measures on us tourists. See details here. If you are triple vaccinated, you do not have to take a pre-departure test. On 10 June 2022, Japan finally started allowing international tourists into the country for the first time in . Heres the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa-free travel list. Japan is now allowing foreign nationals to enter Japan for purposes other than tourism so long as they have a sponsor in the country. Visit Japan (@Visit_Japan) September 22, 2022 If the prime minister's announcement is followed, then from October 11, individual tourists will once again be able to travel to Japan. Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Here are all the details on visa-free travel, vaccination and Covid test requirements. As weve stressed repeatedly, Japans populace has been among the most cautious in the world with regard to COVID-19. Was great being here. SHARE. Were preserving this for posterity, but everything that follows is now (thankfully!) Japan opens up to foreign tourists after two years 27 May 2022 Coronavirus pandemic Getty Images By Nadeem Shad BBC News After being closed to tourists for two years, Japan is opening its. Visa-free travel for selected countries, including the US, has also been resumed. If you decide to travel to Japan: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. With that in mind, lets cover how we got here, why Japan maintains the strictest among the Group of Seven developed nations, and what could cause that to change, Again and again, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that Japan will continue to consider how the measures should be by taking into account the infection situations at home and abroad, border control measures taken by other nations, and progress in the rollout of vaccine boosters.. Yes, visa free tourism resumed October 11, 2022. InUnguided Tours in Japan Reopening Phase Rules, we cover what this entails and the recently-released guidelines and FAQ for these tours. The government is planning to allow independent tourists to come to Japan and exempt them from visas if they have been vaccinated three times or submit a pre-arrival test result, Fuji TV reported Monday. Think the need to adapt and live with the endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to Japans reopening plans? October. Some 68% of Singaporeans aged 16 to 24 years old indicated they are considering Japan for their "next vacation," compared to 37% of those aged 55 and older, according to research published in. "We will lift the ceiling of the number of entrants into Japan, lift the ban on. Use the Visit Japan Web app to upload your Covid vaccination status or Covid test results. Again, if youd like to be notified as soon as more details are released or rumored, subscribe to ourfree email newsletter for ongoing updates and alerts: (function(d, s, id) { Those reading regular updates on Japans reopening are not representative of international travelers at large. The short version is that it is possible to enter, regardless of whether youre vaccinated or unvaccinated, albeit with a testing requirement for the latter. While the daily number of arrivals was higher pre-closure, we assumed that 50,000 is the level at which this cap becomes immaterial with China still sidelined. However, for a child below the age of 18 who is traveling with their parents, this is the policy (this is direct from a Japanese consulate email): For children under the age of 18 who do not hold a valid vaccination certificate three times. With all of that in mind, we remain cautiously optimistic that individual tourists will be allowed to enter Japan sooner rather than later. sheeesh still cant believe my trip starting october 22nd might actually happen this time (). We uncover the best of the city and put it all in an email for you. The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved. Tourists with U.S. passports can stay in Japan visa-free for up to three months. Well keep watching the news and keep you posted if/when there are further developments about Japan reopening and allowing entry to travelers from the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond. We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future, he said. Japan relaxed its border measures earlier in September while still being #1 in the world for new cases. 2022 . From June 10th 2022, Japan opened to escorted tours. Europeans are currently only allowed into the country in exceptional circumstances. While the stares have eased, and it is okay to take off the mask at the table, make sure to wear it if you need to use the toilet or even to speak to a waiter. . Guided trips also had to be booked through a government-, , independent travel became possible, but still needed to be booked through a government-, However, as we mentioned above, from October 11, onwards fully independent, visa-free travel, Yes! If youve received three vaccine doses, you dont need to take a pre-travel Covid test. Moments after the Australian government announced that it would reopen the country's borders to international travelers later this month, Emily . We typically spend a couple of months in Japan each year, and are ecstatic to be returning after nearly 3 years away. . Impediments to international travel to Japan also come from measures imposed by the tourists' own countries. Get planning with our guide to Japans 15 best hotels. As improbable as it mightve seemed even a week ago, Japan welcoming back international visitors who are not part of tours (guided or unguided) sometime before November is likely. The total of guests at hotels and inns was 315.75 million, down 4.8% from 2020 and 47% from 2019. Since October 11th, 2022, people who travel from countries with a former visa-waiver agreement with Japan have been able to travel to Japan freely again! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Will be heading back again in a couple of weeks. What we had here was a weird little community of sorts, and a really nice one considering the circumstances. Japan fully reopening in full is all but inevitable at this point. Japan open for tourism After almost two and a half years of strict Covid-19 protocol and restrictions, this is a major shift in policy. What to Expect? Women in traditional robes at a shrine in Japan. Still current at: 28 February 2023 Updated: 9 February 2023 Latest update: Updated information on travellers entering Japan from China - excluding Hong Kong and Macao ('Entry requirements' page). Travelers from most countries can now enter Japan without applying for a visa in advance. Will those be a requirement for overseas travelers? The rest of 2022 offers a rare chance to experience Japan before the crowds return in 2023. Economic benefits of international tourists is one big reason why Japan is expected to reopen its border. Bon voyage! See our. It could start as soon as late November, but is more likely in December. Why Japan is Unlikely to Reopen Borders Until 2022 July 7, 20210 When Will Japan Reopen Its Borders for International Visitors (and not just Olympic athletes and coaches)? The definitive guide to Japans tourist reopening in 2022, However, after more than two and a half years of waiting, the country fully reopened to tourism. In terms of the latest news, the current vaccine and testing policies are likely to end on May 8, 2023. Statements by politicians and medical advisors, gradual border relaxation measures, and other changes could be interpreted as Japan laying thegroundwork for a resumption of normalcy and the countrys eventual reopening. a prior mandate in late May, many people are still wearing masks outdoors. On January 20, Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan will downgrade Covid to the same category as seasonal influenza on May 8. Visa-free, independent travel restarted on October 11. Despite the aforementioned numbers, Japan is maintaining its goal of attracting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030. Japan is open to travel. Plus:youll soon be able to spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free. Public opinion polls show that most voters have already moved on from COVID to assorted scandals; the minority who still care will see no immediate increase in cases correlating with the border reopening. Your updates were by far the best I could find on the internet and helped lots of us getting through this (dare I say; emotional) rollercoaster the past several years. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. We humbly apologize for the inconvenience. Government advice is for masks to be worn on public transport and some indoor venues but, contrary to what one might expect, there has never been a mask mandate in the country. All of this in the hope for some clarity as to when the country will fully reopen and Japan will begin allowing international tourists to enter once again. With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited. With the yen weak, tourism has the potential to . js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/28/412454028.js"; Here is the lowdown on Japan's relaxed travel rules. As the Japan experts, weve sought all the requirement information directly from Japanese government sources and broken them down into easy-to-understand sections. Fill in your vaccination status and other details on the Visit Japan Web page to skip the airport queues and facilitate a smooth entry into Japan. Cheers . Japans economy has serious issues and inbound tourism was previously a bright spot. Of course, things could change between now and then, but its likely the border will revert to late 2019 status as of that date. We recommend consulting the, The Long-term Expat: How Covid Changed My Life in Tokyo, Traveling Through Japan in the Age of Covid-19: A Personal Encounter, Why Im Glad I Got Stuck in Japan During Covid-19, Lessons in Isolation: How a 10-Day Silent Retreat in Japans Countryside Helped Me Cope With the Covid New Reality, official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Conquering a Fear of the Unknown: The Psychology Behind Covid-19 Anxiety and How to Cope With It, What the Covid-19 Pandemic can Teach Japan about Climate Change. Its says a lot about Japan is a socially conscious society that so many individuals choose to wear masks even without mandates in place! The country has also dropped its daily cap of 50,000 arrivals and its list of permitted countries, with visitors from all countries and regions now being accepted. However, after more than two and a half years of waiting the country is fully reopening for tourism. Borders were reopening, but visitor numbers were capped at 50,000 per day, movement was severely restricted, and travelers required a visa and health insurance to visit. It was finally announced that from October 11, 2022, the borders would be reopening to visa-free tourists. In addition to masks, divider screens can still be seen in many establishments. Ahead of the highly anticipated move that would boost the country's struggling tourism industry, the government may accept a limited number 11 helpful votes. I will be in Japan from the second week of Nov. No doubt I will walk past some of you on here at the customs or one of the many beautiful places in Japan . so its confirmed Thanks so much Tom. At that time, it was unclear whether unguided tourists would be allowed to enter. While I hope to see you around here on future updates, I know that probably wont be the case. I was there for 11 days, mostly in Tokyo, and also to the bullet train to Sanjo (near Niigata) for a couple of days, and also a day trip to Mount Fuji with a driver/guide. All you have to do is pick one of our artfully made Tours and your desired departure date. During the Bloomberg New Voices panel,Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said she would open the countrys doors tomorrow if it were her decision. However, after more than two and a half years of waiting, the country fully reopened to tourism. Youll be matched with a Travel Consultant wholl get to know you, your interests, your ideas and add their own advice and recommendations. Thanks, [] to individual tourists for the duration of the festivities. There is a lot of pent up demand for travel to Japan, so plane tickets and accommodations should be a priority. By September 14, 2022 Credit: Depositphotos Advertisement After. By visitors one of our artfully made tours and your desired departure date state of tourism: fully for. 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Please include the Japan Times on your ad-blocker 's list of approved sites read more about this topic or one!