Japan To Finally Drop Travel Protocols, Return To Normal Tourism

On Apr 9, 2023

Japan to fully reopen to travelers — Mt. Fuji, Japan [Image by Thanapat Pirmphol from Pixabay]

Most countries have gradually returned to normal tourism over the last year or so, but Japan held out for a longer period. Now, after a long, hard, more than three-year pandemic, the popular Asian destination has decided to drop its strict protocols. Read on to find out when Japan is returning to normal tourism.

When will Japan reopen its borders for normal tourism?

Many other countries have gradually reopened to travel as they strongly rely on tourism for their economy. However, some have held back a bit. In fact, Japan wasn’t taking any chances and stood firm with its strict travel protocols. While countries around them started welcoming travelers again, the government didn’t want to rush things.

Japan scraps all COVID-19 pandemic regulations hoping to boost tourism — Tokyo [Image by Kohji Asakawa from Pixabay]

Meanwhile, despite the fact that airfares are high, travelers have been flocking to Asia this year. As each country opened its border, so came the tourists, giving a boost to the economy. In fact, tourism has made a huge comeback, so it is no surprise that Japan has taken note and finally decided to drop all COVID restrictions.

While the country is among the last to drop its protocols for incoming travelers, Japan has officially set a date for fully reopening its borders. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the last border measures will be dropped on May 8, 2023. The organization wrote:

Notice: All border measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be lifted on May 8, 2023. Those who are entering Japan on or after May 8, 2023, will not be required to present a Valid Vaccination Certificate or a Covid-19 Negative Test Certificate.

Slow reopening process

Tokyo, Japan [Image by Sofia Terzoni from Pixabay]

Last year, Japan slowly started welcoming travelers back into the country, but at that stage, there were still strict rules to follow. Initially, the country only accepted travelers on guided tours, which tended to be restrictive. However, since the fall of 2022, more tourists have been able to visit independently, but with specific rules to follow.

Meanwhile, since March 2023, the wearing of face masks has been dropped, although the government does still recommend them in crowded situations. However, other policies are still in place until May 8.

Right now, travelers are allowed to enter Japan by air, sea, or land, but they still need to provide certain documentation. Up until May 8, travelers need to still conform to the following:

Proof of full vaccination with an approved COVID-19 vaccine
Alternatively, proof of a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours of departure
They require a passport with a vaccination card and a face mask

Introduction of Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases

On May 8, Japan will also launch a new initiative, dubbed the Genomic Surveillance of Infectious Diseases. The goal of the new program is to monitor data relating to infectious diseases closely. Of course, should COVID infections spike again, or a new variant raise its head, there would likely be a reversal of some of the country’s protocols.

Making Japan accessible

Japan to reopen to mass tourism in October 2022 — Japanese women in Kyoto [Image by DerWeg from Pixabay]

As the Asian nation hopes to welcome more travelers, it is also making it easier to get there. Round-trip flights from the US to Japan are often more reasonably priced compared to other Asian countries. Also, visa requirements were dropped in late 2022 to make life easier for visitors.