Self-Guided Tours Are Back As Japan Eases Travel Regulations In Time For Fall

Two-and-a-half years ago, Japan firmly shut its borders to all international visitors. This year, the country did start welcoming travelers, but only if part of organized tour groups. Finally, the Japanese government has relented and last week it was announced that self-guided tours are now allowed. Read on to find out the latest on travel to Japan.

Japan eases back on its strict rules for travelers

It has been a while since it was easy to travel to Japan and visit the attractions of Tokyo and Kyoto. Even when other countries in the world had started welcoming international travelers, Japan kept its strict rules, only recently opening up in June to visitors on group tours. In other words, travelers could only explore the country accompanied by a local guide throughout their trip.

Finally, on September 7, Japan scrapped that rule in favor of a more relaxed policy that now allows for self-guided tours. However, that doesn’t mean you can just hop on a flight and immediately head to Tokyo. Basically, travelers need to book their flight and accommodation through a registered travel agency. This way, the Japanese government has a point of contact for travelers. For now, it’s a case of package vacations only, whether on guided or self-guided tours.

New travel regulations for Japan

Currently, travelers must wear masks and adhere to other COVID-19 measures in Japan, as the country cautiously returns to tourism after the pandemic. Any unvaccinated travelers are also required to present a negative COVID-19 test, taken within three days of departure. They must also install the MySOS app, where they can register the test results.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan offered visa-free entry to travelers from around 68 countries, including Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, the US and the UK. However, for now, for Foreign Ministry states that everyone needs a visa, regardless of where they are traveling from.

How to get a visa for Japan

While the visa exemption program is still on hold, everyone who wishes to visit the country must apply for, and obtain a tourist visa. Travelers can apply for a certificate for registration to ERFS (Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System) through the travel agency that is organizing the trip.

Once this has been processed, travelers will receive a document to take to their nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for the visa application. Alternatively, this can be organized by the travel agency booking the trip. This normally takes around five working days after the documents have been received and accepted.

eVisa for US and Canadian citizens

Last month, a new eVisa scheme was introduced in Japan for US and Canadian citizens. Meanwhile, this is available for leisure and business travelers, as well as those visiting relatives. In this case, applicants must hold a valid US or Canadian passport.

However, before applying for an eVisa, applicants need to obtain a certificate for registration to the ERFS via the tour agency they have booked with. Meanwhile, the Japanese embassy says that those visiting relatives do not need to apply for ERFS. Instead, they must supply marriage certificates or proof of kinship.

Once everything is in order, travelers can then complete the eVisa form online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, they will need passport information, travel documents and supporting documents including the ERFS handy. Moreover, a processing fee will also apply, but once the application is complete and has been approved, the eVisa will be sent via email.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Japan

Currently, Japan categorizes countries into blue, yellow, or red, depending on their COVID risk. Those from blue countries can show proof of vaccination, or take a test prior to traveling. Meanwhile, blue countries include Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, the UK, the US, and more. Readers can view the complete list of countries here.

Meanwhile, those from yellow and red designated countries are subject to additional regulations including testing on arrival and quarantine.