Ahead of the highly anticipated move that would boost the country's struggling tourism industry, the government may accept a limited number Thank you Tom for providing us a platform to discuss thing amidst all the confusing developments and giving us updates. On August 23, specifics of the September relaxation measures were leaked to the same media outlets. Updated On September 26, 2022. The number has never exceeded 200,000 since the pandemic began. As frustrating as this whole process has been, Japan is not still (completely) stuck in March 2020. This is the first step in our gradual easing of the [border] restrictions, Kishida has said. Few countries around the world have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourism after the cataclysmic shutdowns of 2020. To enter Japan tourists simply need to: Return a negative PCR test within 72 hours of departure, OR provide a valid Covid-19 certificate of having had at least 3 vaccine doses (the certificate needs to be uploaded onto Visit Japan web) If youre planning a trip to the Japan, check outour other posts about Japanfor ideas on other things to do! Previously, travel requirements included booking your trip through a government-approved tour operator and also obtain a visa and ERFS certificate, but both these requirements are no longer necessary. Among fellow G7 countries, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border restrictions. Copyright - Sarah & Tom Bricker, Travel Caffeine. Economists fear a double dip recession in Japan due to the prolonged closures and restrictions. These include: checking body temperature on arrival, social distancing when possible and regularly sanitizing hands, in addition to wearing a mask. As of October 11, 2022, Japan is open for tourism for independent travelers without a guide or a packaged tour. Japan fully reopening in full is all but inevitable at this point. From October 11th 2022, Japan removed visa requirements and arrival caps, returning to pre-pandemic travel arrangements. Dining out doesnt mean getting rid of the mask. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-adqosrqps")); If youre planning a visit to Japan, our recommendation at this point is to target sometime in November at the earliest. Its thus our view that Japan reopening in some capacity to individual tourists in October is a very realistic scenario. If you are unvaccinated, you have to take a pre-departure test. Thanks to so many of you regular readers and commenters who made the last couple of years easier, shared articles, optimistic/pessimistic updates, and so much more. tomthanks for ALL the help.I was told I need the MYSOS app to enter now, but there is mixed information on JapanWeb. One wildcard is the downgrade of COVIDs legal status. Starting November 1, 2022, travelers to Japan may pre-register for airport Immigration, Customs, and Vaccination review, and use "Fast Track" at major airports across Japan using Visit Japan Web. I land on Nov. 2, the website the new form come out Nov.I am so confusedbut no one seems to come here anymore.if anyone reads this please answer if you can. Together, youll craft your itinerary. if (d.getElementById(id)) return; 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! (It took a few more days for the guidelines to be released, and the clarifying FAQ isstillbeing updated. This could leave you open to exploitation and prosecution. Tour groups from 98 countries, including Australia, can now visit the country - but only if they wear masks, have . Essentially, there will be no (legal) basis for the current border protocol effective May 8, 2023. Here is the lowdown on Japan's relaxed travel rules. 1) Register for "Visit Japan Web". 11 helpful votes. Boosting tourism was core to the late former Prime Minister Abes economic revitalization, and both subsequent prime ministers have indicated their intentions to maintain continuity with those plans. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com Situation Summary On January 20, Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan will downgrade Covid to the same category as seasonal influenza on May 8. We already have this email. The big one for most of you is likely going to beJapan Face Mask Rules v. Reality in 2023. Its another symbolic measure, and coming at a time when an increasing number of international visitors have already moved on to other destinations and pent-up demand has begun fizzling out. November 2 - International travelers to Japan exceeded 200,000 in September. Was less crowded than when I was there before, especially at the airport. Will be heading back again in a couple of weeks. From 11th October onwards, visa-free travel will resume, and all arrival caps are being removed as well. Kiyomizu-dera Temple with cherries in full bloom: f11 photo / Shutterstock.com, Last Update: February 28, 2023 (this page will be updated as needed). Cant wait! Best wishes to everyone on your travels!! Constitutionally, the Japanese government cant mandate something like mask wearing. Youll be matched with a Travel Consultant wholl get to know you, your interests, your ideas and add their own advice and recommendations. Coronavirus . Travel agencies eye discounts for those vaccinated for COVID-19. Thank you Tom and to everyone for all the insights, info, and updates. Not so much in the last couple of years, as this has been reflected in policy-making. Try another? Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the news in September at a press conference. Visa-free travel has also been reinstated for travellers from dozens of countries (see which ones here), though there are still several border measures in place. Here are all the details on visa-free travel, vaccination and Covid test requirements. It could start as soon as late November, but is more likely in December. During the Bloomberg New Voices panel,Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said she would open the countrys doors tomorrow if it were her decision. For more than two years, Japan's borders remained closed to tourists. With the ever-changing rules, it's hard to keep up with which countries are open for study, work, and tourism. Thanks for the posts, Tom. 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. even if theyre off for a jog or on a bicycle. If youve received three vaccine doses, you dont need to take a pre-travel Covid test. Traveling in Japan without constraint as a tourist is possible from October 11, 2022. Japan Airlines planes at Narita International Airport: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com. Against that economic backdrop, lets take a look at the latest changes to Japans reopening plans. Ive been following since the very beginning and only started actually posting at the very end, but I want you to know how grateful I am that your blog existed as truly the gold standard for Japan-related travel blogs throughout the pandemic. Can you really see Japan's best bits on a budget? Yes, Japan will be fully open for tourists and lift its travel restrictions (to pre-COVID status) on October 11th, 2022. Subscribe to our email newsletter for the latest news & instant alerts. Mount Fuji: One of Japan's three sacred mountains. Trying a bit of everything is the best way to get beneath the surface of this fascinating country. Short answer: as incredible as ever but with far fewer tourists! We have more good news! Thank you so much for this free and respectful space for everyones opinions that has helped us get through these difficult years. This was a great place to keep up to date on the happenings. July 20, 2021. Some facilities such as museums, aquariums and theme parks require prior booking or a ticket purchase. The yen has fallen to a 24-year low of 144 to the dollar, likely contributing to the sense of urgency in the aforementioned interviews. Updated overall advisory level after periodic review. Naturally, if you want to make the most out of your trip and have a truly unforgettable experience you can book an amazing independent itinerary or small group tour through us, with the added benefit of. When Visa Free Travel to Japan Since October 11, 2022, tourists from countries in the visa waiver program have been able to enter Japan visa-free again. Fully independent, visa-free travel to Japan is now possible from October 11th onwards. Among fellow G7 countries, Japan has had some of the strictest rules it comes to border restrictions. The Japan Times LTD. All rights reserved. Its says a lot about Japan is a socially conscious society that so many individuals choose to wear masks even without mandates in place! ), While presenting the above as a cautionary tale against optimism or over reliance on logic when assessing Japans decisions, thats exactly what Im going to do. Autumn is already a lost cause. of course the opposition (not all of it, from what I read) is against this. 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. Think the need to adapt and live with the endemic virus will outweigh fear when it comes to Japans reopening plans? The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party recognizes these problems and realizes it needs to rebuild Japans economy. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Koike said that Japans borders would fully reopen soon. League rediscovering fervor upon fans' full-scale return, Nippon Ham's plant-based seafood is first for major Japanese food manufacturer, A Japanese photographer heads to Ukraine; a student flees to Tokyo. See below for more details. The rules for. Aug 31, 2022. It aint over till its over.pls see my recent post which I HOPE isnt accurate and just some fake news, but Reuters is pretty accurate. Single entry visa and multiple entry visa issued by Embassies, Consulate-Generals, and Consulates of Japan in all countries/regions whose validity had been temporary suspended resumed on October 11, 2022. even if theyre off for a jog or on a bicycle. All travel companies are different. Our trips to Japan come in two travel styles: Check out our Small Group Tours departures calendar, Check out our Best of Japan itinerary its perfect as inspiration for a first-time trip. Due to this and other policies, Japan has lagged behind economically, seeing slower recovery than the United States and other counterparts that have more aggressively reopened. This is would allow a bit of wiggle room for Japans slow and belabored decision-making process that involves a lot of careful consideration and evaluating the situation. If anything has been well-established during the last two-plus years, its that inaction is Japans baseline, and anything that does happen occurs gradually and in stages. 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