Japan gradually reopens to foreign tourism

Starting last 10th of June, Japan has finally eased travel restrictions, and is gradually reopening to foreign tourism. However, the reopening of borders is not absolute as a full set of rules and requirements have been put in place to ensure that the safety of everyone is not compromised.

As the situation constantly evolves, it is essential to regularly check and follow the latest travel guidelines. Here are a few important points to bear in mind when considering a travel to Japan:

1. Japan only allows organized tours arranged by a Japan-based DMC and followed by a tour leader from start to end. Miki Travel, a DMCFinder partner, is one of the authorized DMCs who will be glad to take care of client requests.

2. Foreign countries are divided into three groups according to risk (considering the current infection rate, active virus variants and percentage of vaccinated population): blue, yellow or red. Most European countries belong to the blue group or the group with fewer restrictions. Regardless of the vaccination status of the entrants, travelers from the blue group of countries will be allowed to enter Japan. Tests upon arrival, home isolation and other measures will not be required.

3. From the 10th of June, the daily cap on arrivals increases from 10,000 to 20,000. By the end of June, Sapporo (Shin-Chitose) and Okinawa (Naha) airports will be reopened to international flights.

4. The visa waiver programme has not yet been reinstated; a visa application is still necessary until further notice.

5. For DMCs to apply, travel agents will need to provide them with the personal details of each of the group members. If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approves the group for travel, the DMCs will receive a confirmation of the pre-authorization in PDF format, and forward it to the travel agents. Once travel agents receive the ERFS authorisation, and share it with their clients, passengers will need to apply for their visa.

Visa applications must be submitted to the relevant Embassies or Consulates; the ERFS authorisation is one of the documents required for the issuance of a visa, together with an application form, a photograph, and the traveler’s passport.

It is envisioned that the consulates will be extremely busy in the days to come, so it is highly suggested applying for a visa as early as possible.

For more information: https://www.mikitraveldmc.com/japan?utm_campaign=7364eb7d-0b78-44b9-a611-285fef215a75&utm_source=so&utm_medium=mail&cid=5423221b-0764-4380-9742-4c072a0ad7d8

Author: Deb Davad