Japan resumes receiving foreign tourists

The Japanese government has decided to resume the reception of foreign tourists to the country from June 10, suspended at the end of 2020 due to the pandemic. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters on Thursday.

According to him, at the first stage, the resumption will affect group tourist tours. Since the end of this month, Japan has already started accepting small groups of tourists from Australia, Singapore, the USA and Thailand in a test mode.

On December 28, 2020, Japan imposed a de facto ban on issuing new visas to citizens of all states and regions of the world due to the spread of coronavirus. Since March of this year, the entry ban has been gradually lifted for foreign students, technical specialists, as well as for those who come for work. In addition, foreigners who have permanently resided in the country and have long-term visas, and diplomats can enter Japan. Entry may be allowed to relatives of foreigners living in Japan in "exceptional cases".

No more than 10 thousand people per day can enter Japan. In June, the authorities intend to raise the threshold to 20 thousand people.