Since 2020, Japan has enforced some of the strictest Covid regulations in the world. This is set to change in the coming weeks with the country poised to ditch mandatory Covid tests in a bid to boost tourism.
All passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must take a PCR test within 72 hours of travelling to Japan and register this result with the government under the current rules. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said they are considering lifting these restrictions for triple vaccinated tourists.
Covid testing is not the only regulation in place for tourists attempting to visit the country either, with a cap on visitor numbers which could be raised from 20,000 per day to 50,000 according to Reuters. Before the pandemic, in 2019, Japan saw 32 million foreign tourists which is a far cry from the 7,900 the country saw in July 2022.
Read more: All the updated travel rules for Spain, France, Turkey and Portugal
Japan has been closed to most tourists since the pandemic hit and only reopened borders to UK visitors and other "blue listed" countries in early June. From this date UK tourists could enter the country but only those who were sponsored and registered on the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) by an approved Japanese travel agency.
The country also opened up guided tours in June, with rules in place meaning tours can only be booked with government-approved packages. Visitors also must buy visas and travel insurance, among other rules and regulations such as being accompanied by the guide at all times.
Under current rules, visitors must sign a written pledge before disembarking that they will abide by quarantine and self isolation rules as well as any other restrictions. Tourists must also take a health questionnaire, which some airlines require before you fly.
Some reports say measures will be eased from Wednesday, while others suggest this change will take place in the next few weeks. Until then the restrictions will remain and those hoping to travel to Japan will have to adhere to strict Covid guidelines.
READ NEXT:
-
Warning over new Covid variant which can re-infect you every month and it's outpacing other strains
-
Kate Garraway’s husband Derek Draper 'back in hospital for operation to repair kidney damage'
-
Man tragically died due to 'rare and aggressive' complications after AstraZeneca Covid vaccine
-
A level results day 2022 RECAP: North East students wait to find out their grades
