Japan is loosening its travel restrictions for foreign visitors during the pandemic

Japan has started to ease its travel restrictions for foreign visitors.

The country closed its borders to all international visitors earlier this year when the coronavirus pandemic broke and restrictions were put in place worldwide.

Since then, it has continued to close borders to non-Japanese nationals.

Now, it's allowing foreign visitors to enter the country, provided they are planning to stay for three months or longer (for example, students). In some cases, business travellers qill also be allowed to visit provided they meet visa requirements.

However, according to the FCDO, "the number of people permitted to enter Japan under these rules will be restricted, with priority given to those moving to Japan".

Anyone travelling to Japan will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their flight departure time.

A couple wearing traditional Japanese kimonos, walking through a long series of inscribed Torii gates at Fushimi Inari-Taisha (Getty Images)

Other entry requirements include written assurance from a sponsor or company that the traveller will follow quarantine measures upon arrival.

Unfortunately, Brits who want to visit Japan for a holiday are going to have to wait a while longer.

Entry to Japan for tourism or to visit family is currently still off the cards - and the country's officials haven't yet revealed when they plan to re-open the borders for international tourists.

Mt. Fuji and Tokyo skyline (Getty Images)

At the time of writing, Japan is exempt from the Foreign Office's advice against non-essential travel.

This means that if the advice hasn't changed the day Japan does open up to tourists, Brits will be able to visit for a holiday.

However, for now the country has suspended its visa waiver for anyone holding a British passport. The FCDO has said that there is "no indication of when this suspension will be lifted".

Anyone who has visited the UK within 14 days prior to travel will also be denied entry to the country. It's worth noting that this doesn't apply just to the UK, but to an extensive list of countries around the world - you can get more details on Japan's tourism website.

You can find the full information on entry requirements as well as more updates in the FCDO Japan travel advice.