Japan is excited to welcome back international tourists as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the full reopening of the country's borders. Starting from October 11, visitors from around the world will once again have the opportunity to explore the beautiful and culturally rich nation. This decision also marks the reinstatement of visa-free travel for countries participating in the Japanese visa waiver program.

Independent Tourism Allowed

• Independent tourism now allowed in Japan
• Requirement for guided tours eliminated
• After a 2.5 year hiatus, individual tourists can visit Japan independently
• More freedom and flexibility for travelers

Changes in Visa Requirements

• Since June 2022, tourists could visit Japan with an approved visa and booking through a Japanese travel agency.
• An electronic visa was introduced for US and Canadian citizens during this period.
• With the full reopening, visa-exempt travel is permitted for visitors from 68 different countries.
• Eligible travelers can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
• Visitors from countries not on the visa-exempt list, including the US, Canada, and EU nations, still require an approved visa regardless of their intended stay duration.

Future Expansion of eVisa Program

The electronic visa system, known as eVisa, has proven successful and convenient for travelers from the United States and Canada. As a result, there are plans to extend this system to other eligible nationalities in the near future. This expansion aims to streamline the visa application process and further facilitate international tourism to Japan.

Benefits of eVisa Expansion

• Simplified Application Process: The expansion of the eVisa program will simplify the visa application process for eligible nationalities. Travelers will be able to complete their applications online, eliminating the need for paper-based forms and reducing processing times.
  
  
• Convenience and Efficiency: With the eVisa system, travelers will enjoy the convenience of applying for a visa from the comfort of their own homes. The online platform will provide a user-friendly interface, allowing applicants to easily submit their required documents and pay the visa fees.
  
  
• Increased Tourism: By extending the eVisa program to more countries, Japan aims to attract a larger number of international tourists. This expansion will contribute to the growth of the tourism industry, benefiting local businesses and communities.
  
  
• Showcasing Japan's Attractions: Japan eagerly awaits the return of tourists from around the world, ready to showcase its unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether it's exploring ancient temples, indulging in delicious cuisine, or witnessing the breathtaking natural landscapes, visitors will once again have the opportunity to create lasting memories in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japan to Remove Entry Cap, Allowing Increased Travel

During the New York press conference, Kishida announced the revision of the Japan visa policy to allow visa-free travel. In addition, the Japanese Prime Minister revealed that the daily cap on entry for travelers would be lifted from October 11.

• Japan is revising its visa policy to allow visa-free travel.
• The daily cap on entry for travelers is being lifted from October 11.
• Over the past 6 months, the daily arrival cap has gradually increased from 5,000 to 50,000.
• The Japanese government is confident about the rate of COVID infections in the country.
• This move will support struggling industries such as travel and entertainment during the pandemic.

Japanese Tourist Industry Celebrates Easing of Restrictions

The recent announcement of eased travel restrictions in Japan has brought about a wave of excitement within the country's tourist industry. With the government's long-standing strict entry policies due to the coronavirus pandemic, the tourism revenue in Japan has taken a severe hit. However, this new development has sparked hope for a revival in the sector.

Impact on Tourism Revenue

• In 2019, Japan recorded 31.88 million foreign travelers.
• Due to closed borders and travel restrictions, the number of visitors dropped significantly to 250,000 in 2021.
• This decline had a severe impact on Japan's tourism revenue..

Positive Reactions from Industry Leaders

Shinichi Inoue, the president of All Nippon Airways, expressed immense joy at the easing of restrictions. He stated, "We are extremely happy to see the long-awaited easing of restrictions. We will increase flights from the end of October to welcome customers from abroad." The anticipation is that this step will bring a much-needed boost to the tourism industry.

Economic Expectations

Inbound travelers had a significant economic impact on Japan before the COVID-19 pandemic, estimated at approximately ¥5 trillion. With the easing of travel restrictions, industry leaders like Inoue are hopeful that Japan's economy will experience a similar boost. Additionally, the yen's sharp decline against the dollar serves as an added incentive for tourists to visit Japan.

Expectations:

• Easing of travel restrictions will lead to economic effects similar to pre-pandemic levels
• Inbound travelers had an estimated economic impact of ¥5 trillion pre-pandemic
• The yen's sharp decline against the dollar will incentivize tourists to visit Japan.

Relaxed COVID Entry Rules

In addition to the easing of travel restrictions, Japan has now relaxed its COVID entry rules regarding pre-departure testing. Individuals who have received three doses of a vaccine approved by Japan are now exempt from requiring a PCR test. This change aims to streamline the entry process for vaccinated travelers.

Conclusion

The news of Japan's relaxed travel restrictions has been met with a warm welcome by the tourist industry. The hope is that this decision will revive tourism revenue, which has suffered greatly over the past couple of years. The industry is eagerly preparing to accommodate an increase in visitors from abroad and is optimistic about the positive economic impact that this development will bring.