Discussions have begun on the specifics of how to ease entry requirements for foreign visitors who will come to Japan to watch the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics next summer, including limiting entry only to ticket holders, according to several government sources.
Entry conditions for ticket holders, such as taking PCR tests upon leaving their countries or entering Japan and downloading an app to monitor their health conditions, are among the discussions underway.
The government has been considering setting up special facilities equipped with health and quarantine centers for athletes and relevant staff members of foreign delegations to use during the Games, so that the domestic measures in place against the novel coronavirus will continue to function smoothly. With that in mind, the government will discuss whether to have foreign visitors also be eligible to use these special facilities, the sources said.
The organizing committee and other organizers are discussing with the government the easing of entry requirements for three categories:
1. athletes, coaches and those in similar positions;
2. operations and other tournament-related staff;
3. spectators.
The government and the organizing committee have been jointly working on measures against virus infections and are expected to include a strategy on visitors coming from abroad in their interim report to be compiled by the end of this year.
Entry restrictions have been lifted, starting this month, for foreign nationals who have permission to stay for three months or longer in Japan. However, tourists have yet to be allowed to enter Japan.
The government's move toward allowing Games spectators to enter Japan is likely to precede a subsequent full lifting of entry restrictions on foreign tourists.
"Foreign tourists who come to Japan to watch the Games are more likely to spend time in and around the relevant venues, making it easier for them and organizers to take measures against virus infections," said a source in the government. "This will be a touchstone for the full reopening to foreign tourists."
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