We all know how disastrous the Covid-19 pandemic has been for the travel industry, with countries implementing hefty travel restrictions to help contain the spread of the virus. Japan, however, is set to relax its travel ban for twelve countries in the near future, reinvigorating the aviation industry and stirring hope amongst travelers.
Leading this development, Japan’s Health Ministry and The Foreign Ministry unveiled the list of these twelve countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, China, and Taiwan. Initially, Japan enforced a strict entry ban on foreign countries, but with the relaxation of the rules for the aforementioned countries, they will now be able to travel to Japan with minimal restrictions.
The stringent travel ban was implemented to reduce the number of foreign visitors to Japan to prevent a wave of Covid-19 cases in the country. The travel ban will remain in place for the other countries that have not been included on the list, and any travelers from those countries will have to quarantine for up to 14 days.
According to the Japanese Foreign Ministry, travelers from the approved countries will not be required to self-isolate, provided they furnish a negative Covid-19 test result. The test will need to have been taken within 72 hours of the flight arrival time. By implementing these measures, the Japanese government is better prepared to protect the citizens of Japan and reduce the risk of infection.
Experts consider this move by Japan a step in the right direction, as it could potentially boost international travel once again, allowing tourists to begin frequenting the country. There are, however, other measures Japan needs to take to ensure the safety of its people and those coming into the country.
The Japanese government is also planning to introduce a contactless travel system that allows foreigners to travel to Japan without having to visit the embassy to register their visas. This system is expected to be in place before the end of 2021 and will help streamline the process for tourists coming to the country.
Safety Protocols and Travel Insurance
Japan has made extensive safety protocols and procedures mandatory for incoming travelers. All travelers must adhere to these protocols and sign a declaration confirming that they have read and understood the information. Furthermore, foreigners will need to sign up for travel insurance for any unexpected medical expenses while in the country.
The country has also reinstated its suspension of cruise ships entering its ports until further notice. This ban is in response to the numerous Covid-19 outbreaks caused by cruise ships travelling around the world.
Overall, the changes Japan has implemented are encouraging, as it allows for more people to slowly but steadily start travelling and help restore the country’s international reputation as a safe and secure destination.
Economic Impact
In addition to the safety of its citizens, the economic impact of the travel restrictions has been severe. Nearly 2 million travelers who had entered Japan via airports in 2019 decreased drastically by the end of 2020. Travel spending has also seen a sharp decline as people are no longer able to spend as freely.
However, by relaxing the travel restrictions, it is hoped that Japan can capitalize on pent-up demand for overseas trips as travelers become increasingly excited about the prospect of international aviation once again. This will help to generate a substantial amount of revenue for the Japanese economy.
Moreover, Japan has several bilateral initiatives in place with several countries, and further efforts from the public and private sector are currently underway to stimulate the economy.
Alternate Travel Options
Japan is also offering travelers other options to explore the country, even if they are unable to enter due to travel restrictions. Japan has been actively using digital technology to connect with visitors remotely, with Japan’s virtual travel initiative allowing travelers to experience the country’s rich culture and traditions in the comfort of their own home.
Furthermore, the Japan External Trade Organization has also launched a campaign to further boost digital connectivity between Japan and overseas travelers. This campaign has integrated virtual tours, live streaming of events, virtual discussion forums, and even virtual shopping experiences for travelers to experience.
Additionally, Japan Tourism Agency also offers personalized advisory services to visitors who are unable to travel due to logistical and legal restrictions. Through such services, visitors can consult with a tourism expert and get tailored travel advice and information.
These multiple options for travelers to engage with Japan are encouraging travelers to continue exploring the country and showcasing the resilience of the Japanese people.
Verdict
Japan has rolled out a series of initiatives and reforms to ensure the safety of its people and to stimulate the economy in a post-pandemic world. The relaxation of travel restrictions to 12 countries and the introduction of digital tools and services make it easier for foreign travelers to explore the country safely and securely.
Moreover, the country’s optimistic outlook on the future of international travel has had a positive effect on its tourism industry, with businesses and organizations taking up the challenge to innovate and come up with new and exciting travel experiences.
Although these are uncertain times, Japan has been able to build on its experience and take its tourism industry into the digital realm, taking advantage of the vast potential of technology to make travel easier and more accessible for everyone. This has inspired other countries to take similar measures to ease their travel restrictions and restore international travel.
