Japan will ease pandemic-related journey restrictions subsequent month, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida introduced on Thursday, making it simpler for vacationers to enter the nation.
Why it issues: Japan has lengthy been a preferred journey vacation spot in Asia, recording nearly 32 million visitors in 2019. However the pandemic has devastated its tourism trade, with lower than 250,000 individuals visiting Japan final yr.
Particulars: Beginning Oct. 11, particular person vacationers will probably be allowed to enter Japan once more, Bloomberg reports. Visa waivers for vacationers from dozens of nations, together with the U.S., will even be reinstated.
- Earlier than the pandemic, Japan allowed guests from 68 countries and regions to remain there for so long as 90 days with out a visa.
What they’re saying: “I hope many individuals will put it to use. I wish to help the journey, leisure and different industries which were struggling throughout the coronavirus pandemic,” Kishida mentioned at a information convention throughout his go to to New York for the UN Basic Meeting.
The large image: Japan skilled two massive waves of COVID infections this yr. As current as final month, the nation was recording greater than 200,000 instances nearly on daily basis.
- Regardless of recording nearly 70,000 instances on Wednesday alone, its choice to reopen the nation to international vacationers alerts a robust willingness to prop up a battered tourism trade.
