Confirmed: Japan Is Finally Reopening Borders to DIY Travelers
They're also removing the cap on daily arrivals.
(SPOT.ph) Like many countries, Japan closed its borders to international tourists at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. It wasn't until June 10 when they allowed the arrival of foreign nationals for tourism purposes, as long as they're registered for guided tours. And finally, on October 11, Japan is easing its strict border rules, including the resumption of individual travel. For Filipino nationals, this means that you can soon apply for a tourist visa and go on DIY travel.
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Japan Eases Border Restrictions
"We will remove the cap on the number of people entering the country, and will resume accepting individual travel and visa-free travel," Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in a news conference on Thursday, September 22, as quoted by Nikkei Asia. The prime minister was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
At present, Japan only allows package tours, requires visas for all foreign nationals, and caps daily arrivals at 50,000 people. Before the pandemic, passport holders from 68 countries and regions—including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the U.S.—are allowed visa-free short-term travel to Japan. On the other hand, Philippine passport holders have always been required to apply for a tourist for short-term stays (within three months).