Japan is set to allow more foreign visitors to the island nation after two years of heavy restrictions.
Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida, announced plans for border restrictions to be partially lifted from June 10, 2022 and an increase in those permitted entry.
However, the new measures will still only allow for the arrival of 20,000 visitors per day, including those coming for sightseeing.
The increase follows a loosening of restrictions which began in March this year when 10,000 visitors per day were allowed entry.
Further relaxing of border restrictions are expected to follow as business leaders push for a return to pre-pandemic numbers.
However, anyone entering the country for a spot of tourism will be required to be part of an organised guided tour and to have been vaccinated three times against the coronavirus.
The strict entry requirements and visa rules in place for the past two years have even kept out international students with places at Japanese universities and professionals who have been offered places in Japanese companies and institutions.
Apart from making it possible for more people to enter the country, the changes will also see the end of mandatory testing for COVID-19 on arrival, and any subsequent quarantine.
