As of today, October 11th 2022, Japan has resumed it’s visa exemption policy for 68 countries. It marks the first time in more than two and a half years that Japan has allowed unrestricted entry to the country.
Through the period of Covid-19 restrictions, Japan has seen complete closure of the borders to the recent policy of entry with strict guidelines. These restrictions have had a severe impact on the previously strong Japan tourism economy. Even under a policy of entry, but with strict guideline, many tourists have been uninterested in taking such restrained trips.
Tourists must have received three vaccinations, or be able to submit a negative Covid-19 test result prior to their trip, in order to enter the country.
It will also be possible to enter as a non-guided tourist, no longer requiring any group tour or sponsoring party from within Japan.
Japanese airlines, and other industry groups, are hopeful the new open policy will increase customers and from abroad. With the recent decline in the value of the Japanese yen, combined with the pent up desire for many travelers to enter Japan, it is possible the country will see a tourism boom in the near future.