Japan Running ‘Test Tourism’ Trial Prior To Fully Reopening Borders

It has been a long two years and more since travelers could enjoy everything Japan has to offer. In fact, the country has taken an abundance of caution relating to COVID-19 and its residents. However, on Tuesday, May 17, the Japan Tourism Agency announced that the country will start welcoming small group tours in May. This will form part of a “test tourism” trial prior to fully reopening to international travelers.

Japan runs ‘Test Tourism’ trial

In their statement on Tuesday, Japan Tourism Agency said the trial will allow Japan’s government to assess health and safety protocols.  It would further allow them to deal with any COVID-19 infections that might happen among the trial participants.

“This venture will allow us to verify compliance and emergency responses for infection prevention and formulate guidelines for travel agencies and accommodation operators to keep in mind.”

How will the trial work?

According to The Washington Post, the test tourism trial was originally set to run at the end of 2021. However, the trial was delayed as the Omicron variant increased border control measures. Now, the trial will be open to fully vaccinated travelers from Australia, Singapore, Thailand and the United States. By fully vaccinated, this means the primary and secondary vaccine, plus a booster jab.

The tours will be planned by the Japan Tourism Agency in conjunction with travel agencies and will be accompanied by incoming tour operators at all times. This means that visitors in those tour groups will stick to fixed travel itineraries.

How many will be allowed into Japan on the tours?

Speaking on the condition of anonymity (as is customary in Japan), a government spokesman explained that they are considering allowing 50 visitors on the trial package tours. However, they did add that the actual number has not yet been decided. One definite must is that participating travelers must be covered by private health insurance.

Meanwhile, the current testing requirements will continue for those entering Japan. Travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test result, taken within three days before departure. On arrival in the country, they will be tested again.

Under the current rules, only 10,000 people can enter Japan daily. However, according to the state broadcaster, NHK, the government is considering increasing the number to 20,000 in June.

Mountain pressure to reopen Japan’s border

The latest decision comes at a time when Japan’s government is feeling increasing pressure from local businesses and the international community to reopen its border. The tourism industry is important to the country’s GDP, while other countries have been pressuring Japan to reopen its borders.

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had said the country would reopen to international travelers this year in line with other G7 nations. However, at that time, he didn’t offer a timeline on when borders would be fully reopened.

Current entry measures

While at this time, Japan allows 10,000 new arrivals each day, this does not include those traveling for leisure. Up until the test starts, only citizens, residents, residents’ family members, students, researchers and business travelers can enter with prior approval. Depending on their departure country, some arrivals face mandatory quarantine.

According to data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization, a record 31.9 million international travelers visited Japan in 2019. Meanwhile, Japan was looking forward to achieving its goal of welcoming 40 million in 2020, but then the pandemic hit.

Hopefully, after running its “test tourism” trial, Japan will be in a better position to reopen its borders to more international travelers.