The lie of "removing immigration restrictions to Japan" for foreigners
There is news such as "Releasing restrictions on entry into Japan" for foreigners.
However, foreign tourists are not yet allowed to stay in Japan for a short period without a VISA.
Visa exemption measures that are still in effect for the time being
It means that foreigners cannot visit Japan for sightseeing unless the Japanese embassy or consulate general issues a tourism VISA.
In addition, for foreigners other than Japanese, spouses of permanent residents, or persons with diplomatic status of residence, Japan has suspended the validity of VISA issued before December 2, 2021. Therefore, after December 2, 2021 (even now), foreigners will not be able to enter Japan without a new VISA issuance.
"Even if you are not vaccinated, if the PCR test before departure is negative, the immigration restrictions for immigrants from the United States and other countries will be lifted."
The Japanese government has announced, but when I check it, it just lifts the "on entry" restriction.
It does not mean that foreigners from countries that were allowed to travel without VISA between the two countries were "allowed to enter without restrictions" as before.
How many foreigners visit Japan for sightseeing until they get VISA, and how much will Japan really issue VISA for foreign tourists?
"When will we be able to go to Japan, where the yen has depreciated to the 134 yen level for the first time in 20 years?"
For foreign tourists looking forward to a bargain Value Japan trip, you may be wondering when the true immigration restrictions will be lifted.
"This year is the time", while hoping for a revival of the inbound market over two years, accommodations and restaurants in tourist destinations nationwide are preparing for the summer of 2022, targeting foreign tourists.
If Japanese venders already know about this matter, and of course it's okay if they're expecting it, but I'm hoping them to spend their time adjusting it appropriately so that they don't eat their shoulders.
When will you be traveling to Japan without a visa for foreigners?
On June 7, 2022, the Government of Japan approved the "Basic Policy for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2022 (Strong Policy)" by the Cabinet.
https://www5.cao.go.jp/keizai-shimon/kaigi/cabinet/2022/2022_basicpolicies_ja.pdf
In this, the tourism field is positioned as an initiative to solve social issues, and "revival of a tourism-oriented nation" is clearly stated.
"Resurrection of a tourism-oriented country"
One of the pillars of our growth strategy is to revive a tourism-oriented country that supports the local economy and employment, and to promote regional revitalization.
Specifically, it is as follows.
It is one of the pillars of Japan's growth strategy, aiming to revive a tourism-oriented country that supports the local economy and employment, and promote regional revitalization.
In order to stimulate domestic exchange demand, we will continue to carefully consider the infection situation, etc., ensure the safety of travelers, implement domestic demand stimulation measures 77, and cooperate with tourism and transportation companies on weekdays. Promote travel promotion, etc. While cultivating a new exchange market, a system will be established to enable systematic and continuous support measures such as fund-raising for the revitalization and high added value of tourist destinations and tourism industries such as accommodation facility renovation and digital implementation. In addition to expanding it, we will strongly promote legislation with a view to it, and promote efforts for sustainable tourism.
While strengthening the management base of aviation and airport-related companies that support international transportation, we will work on strategic recovery of inbound tourism. In addition to increasing the amount of consumption and promoting local tourists, we are implementing detailed promotions to promote tourism diplomacy, improving the environment for accepting CIQ, border measures, and promoting the participation of foreign tourists in private medical insurance. , Sustainable tourism and adventure tourism, creation of new tourism content, improvement of stay environment such as national parks, attraction of high value-added tourists, revival of cruises and formation of world-class cruise bases, implementation of casino regulations Strongly promote IR maintenance, etc. Aim to be registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage such as sake, shochu and awamori.
According to "Application for Visa for foreign nationals eligible for Phased Measures toward Resuming Cross-Border Travel" released on June 9, 2022, it says, "We will work on strategic recovery of inbound."
There is as follows,
For foreigners entering Japan, the Japanese embassy / consulate / consular office (in Taiwan, the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei, Kaohsiung Office) (hereinafter referred to as "diplomatic missions abroad, etc.") Depending on the purpose of entry, etc., it is necessary to receive a "visa" that is required when applying for landing in Japan.
This means that the suspension of visa-free travel to Japan by foreigners will not be lifted in the future, and will be given to foreign immigrants as part of the "strategic recovery of inbound" that was clearly stated in the bold policy. Is a policy to strategically recover inbound by issuing VISA (visa).
Why did Japan actually restrict entry as "VISA required" while proclaiming "the restrictions on entry to Japan will be lifted regardless of vaccination"?
Is the Government of Japan concerned that the number of people infected with the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) will increase as foreigners enter Japan?
For example, the number of infected people in the United States is 85.1 million.
About 26% of the 330 million people are already infected.
In Japan, the number of infected people is 8.98 million.
It is only 7% of the population of 126 million.
"Putting the life and safety of the Japanese people first."
I understand that it is the intention of the Japanese government.
Therefore, restrictions on foreigners entering Japan will continue unless visa-free travel is restored.