Japan prepared to consider lifting foreign visitors-related restrictions

In the attempt to revive tourism and economy, the Japanese government is opened to study multiple solutions on how and when to reopen borders.

Despite being drastically hit by the pandemic, both economically and touristically, and the country was totally closed during the last couple of years of the Covid-9 outbreak, Japan has recently eased border control, as now the country allows 50.000 inbound tourists to enter its territory on their own, without a tour guide, as previously required. Nevertheless, all international tourists need to obtain visas. Wearing face masks at all times during their visit is also currently mandatory.

According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno, the next goal of the officials will be to relax Covid-19 regulations while “maintaining a balance between preventing the spread of infection and (promoting) social and economic activities.”

“We will review restrictions altogether. We have to carry it out in the not-so-distant future,” declared Seiji Kihara, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary.

Kihara also explained that “a weak yen is most effective in attracting inbound tourism,” commenting that more measures to attract foreign visits will be considered by the Japanese officials.

The announcement comes after in May, officials in Japan have allowed fully vaccinated tourists from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore to enter the country and only visit low Covid-19 risk selected regions, only in organized groups and under the direct supervision of the local authorities.

Nevertheless, in the light of the new situation and as the country’s travel industry was considerably affected by lack of tourist traffic, the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism highlighted the “extreme importance” of international visitors for “the revitalization of regional economies”.

A final call is expected after Covid-19 case count during the months of September and October, but a decision on easing more rules could be made by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida as soon as the next days.

 

Source: traveltomorrow.com