The Japanese government has today announced a significant increase in arrival caps with non-escorted visitors on ‘package trips’ to be allowed into the country from September 7.
After announcing that it would remove the requirement for pre-trip and arrival PCR tests last week, the Japanese government has today confirmed plans to increase entry numbers and allow travel without the requirement of a guide or an escort from September 7.
Japan will raise its daily entry cap on arrivals to 50,000 from the current 20,000 from September 7 in a further easing of strict COVID-19 border controls.
Previously, overseas tourists from 98 countries, including Australia, were allowed entry into Japan on fully escorted group tours with set itineraries run by licensed Japanese tour operators only, according to guidelines set by Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) in June.
There is no formal update yet on whether there will still be a requirement to obtain a visa in advance or if trips must be booked with a licensed tour operator, with clarification expected imminently.
It was also not immediately clear what criteria will be used to determine what constitutes a ‘package tour or trip.’
Commenting on the announcement, InsideJapan’s Co-founder Simon King said, “We have been waiting a long time for this announcement, and this is great news for us as a specialist whose business is 80% Self-Guided tailored travel.
“As a government licensed operator, InsideJapan is able to assist customers who have booked full Self-Guided trips with the company, with the visa process just as it has done since June. So many have waited years for the opportunity to travel, and from September, they can.”
The Japan travel specialist was the first Aussie tour operator to have customers back in Japan on its Small Group Tours back in July and says it has continued to see demand and sales for travel to Japan increase to levels comparable with 2019.
King added, “The fact that the restrictions are eased in time for Japan’s peak autumn departures is such a relief for us and all our partners on the ground that rely on our customer’s business,”
“The feedback from travelling customers over the past few weeks has been incredible. All our partners and locals alike have been so welcoming to customers. To be in Japan in time for the Koyo autumn leaf season with temple gardens and mountainsides lit up with the red autumn leaves will be special,”
King continued, “We are extremely excited for our customers. Japan has not lost its magic, and we can’t wait to show people again.”
For more, head to www.japan.travel
