Japan lifts travel ban on Tuesday

Oct. 11 (EUROPA PRESS) –

Japan on Tuesday removed individual travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19, opening its borders in an attempt to revive the tourism sector.

From this moment, the entry restriction to the Asian country for individual tourists ceases to operate. In addition, travelers from countries with which Japan had a visa-free agreement before the pandemic will be able to visit the country without the need for said document, according to the Kyodo agency.

Travelers, therefore, will not require isolation when entering the country, as long as they present the documents that certify that they have received three vaccines or a negative test result in the 72 hours prior to the start of the trip.

In recent months, Tokyo has gradually eased restrictions. Until now, the measures indicated that no more than 50,000 people could enter the country a day — since September, in summer the limit was 20,000 — and tourists had to travel only in a group.

Japan’s border control measures have been criticized both in the country, from the industrial and tourism sectors, and from abroad, as they are “too strict and long-lasting” restrictions.

In addition, the Government of Fumio Kishida has initiated a program of aid to national tourism. The ‘National Travel Discount’ program offers a subsidy of 11,000 yen (78 euros) per person per night up to a total of seven nights.

This program has entered into force in all 47 prefectures of Japan, except in Tokyo, which will join on October 20, reports the aforementioned agency.

The central government, however, has indicated that it intends to eliminate from the program those prefectures in which a state of emergency is declared or contagion spreads massively.