Following on from a trial reopening in May to permit small group tours from four countries, Japan is now set to allow entry of some package tour groups from 98 countries and territories, including the US and China, starting June 10.
No Covid tests or quarantine will be required upon entry for these tourists, regardless of vaccination status.
The announcement came from prime minister Fumio Kishida on May 26. Details that followed stated that permitted tour groups must be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies and similar organisations responsible for the visitors, and tour guides will accompany the travellers throughout their stay. Activities will be carefully monitored.
According to news reports, Kishida acknowledged that “active exchanges between people are the foundation of the economy and society” in his speech at the Future of Asia conference in Tokyo.
Leading up to June 10, preparations will be made to allow international flights to land at New Chitose airport in Hokkaido and Naha airport in Okinawa.
Tourist numbers are likely to remain limited at first.
Japan had earlier announced intentions to double its cap on arrivals from overseas to 20,000 a day starting June.
At the same time, countries and regions will be divided into three categories – red, yellow and blue – depending on their assessed virus risk.
Travellers arriving from countries or regions on the blue list can bypass quarantine with proof of a negative pre-departure PCR test, according to the Foreign Ministry.
Travellers on the yellow list will have to show proof of vaccination with selected vaccines to skip quarantine.
Japanese travel and tourism stakeholders have called for the country to reopen to tourists fully or be left behind in global tourism.
Prior to his new appointment, Ali was a key member of the pre-opening team of Dream Doha, as director of sales, for Dream Hotel Group’s flagship luxury hotel in Qatar.
In addition to her leadership role at The Langham, Hong Kong, the Singapore native will have expanded operational oversight of all Langham and Cordis properties in Hong Kong and Asia, including properties under development.
His extensive knowledge and experience of the local and international market equips him with a holistic approach to hotel-keeping as he oversees the upcoming resort refurbishment and implementation of new dining and spa concepts.
After a two-year hiatus, Myanmar resumed the acceptance of tourist e-visa applications on May 20.
At this initial phase of reopening, Myanmar will maintain pandemic protocols including vaccine certification, PCR testing and local medical insurance through Myanmar Insurance.
Travellers must be fully vaccinated and present proof of a second Covid dose at least 14 days prior to arrival. They must also provide evidence of a negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours prior to departure, and purchase a travel insurance policy with Covid 19 coverage.
An on-arrival ART is compulsory. With a negative result, travellers can continue with their travel. Positive cases must be isolated in a designated government hospital or hotel which is covered by the health insurance.
Proof of return ticket from Myanmar and hotel booking must be attached to the online visa application.