Japan opened its borders to foreign tourists on Friday and accepted visa applications, but only for those on guided tours willing to follow mask-wearing rules and other anti-virus measures, Japan is cautiously trying, according to Japan Public Relations. It balances commercial concerns as well as infection concerns.
Friday is the first day to begin the procedures required for entry, and it is expected to begin by late June, even if the immigration and quarantine offices at the airport are ready for possible entry, it will begin sooner, according to Aria International Service, citing the Associated Press.
The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are accepted from 98 countries and regions, including the United States, England, China, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore, where the risk of infection is low.
Japan’s inbound tourism business has been shut down during the pandemic, and even as the country welcomes tourists and their spending, concerns about infection remain among Japanese, especially in popular tourist destinations.