Japan is progressively moving toward a wider reopening of its border as the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a record number of cases in Japan this summer, the government plans to reopen the country to international tourism as soon as October 2022. According to the sources, Japan will likely decide how to slough off its border controls as early as next week.
The Japanese government is mulling over plans to further relax border controls by eliminating visa requirements for visitors from several nations too. This would make it easier for independent tourists to visit the country without using a travel agency.
Before the pandemic, Japan did not require tourist visas from 68 countries and regions. The government is also considering allowing foreign tourists to travel without a tour guide and raising the existing entry cap of 50,000 daily.
Last Wednesday, Japan raised its cap for foreign visitors from 20,000 to 50,000. Visitors who have been vaccinated at least three times are exempt from coronavirus testing within 72 hours of departure.
Rules for visitors
- Arriving passengers must be from a ‘blue list’ country like Malaysia. A blue list indicates countries with a low risk of contracting COVID-19. You can check your country’s classification on the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs list.
- Even if you don’t want to take a guided trip, you’ll still need to arrange a package tour through a travel agency if you want to visit Japan. Here are Malaysian travel firms that offer tours to Japan.
- Tourists outside Japan must apply for a single-entry visa online before travelling to the country. Malaysians are advised to secure a visa and authorise travel dates before making hotel or flight reservations. Travellers can apply for a visa at the
- Japanese Embassy in Malaysia.
- A negative PCR test before departure is a must to enter Japan for those unvaccinated.
- Please refer to this link to check whether the Japanese Government recognises your vaccine type/certificate.
