Japan to Reopen Borders to Foreign Tourists Soon
Japan will gradually lift travel restrictions, allowing vaccinated tourists from select countries to enter as early as June, marking a cautious but significant step for the country's pandemic recovery.
Eager to protect its population early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Japan closed its borders to foreign tourists in 2020. Though a sweeping decision at the time, it played a key role in limiting the virus’ spread within the country. Now, as global progress on treatments and vaccination programs continues to mitigate the pandemic’s impact, the Japanese government has announced plans to reopen tourism to international visitors. What does this milestone mean for travelers and the industry?
Restoring tourism: a major step forward
From 2020 onward, Japan was not alone in restricting international travel. Like many nations, it sought the safest way to manage cross-border movement during a global health crisis. While the pandemic is not over, medical advances and vaccination campaigns have helped contain its severity, giving Japanese leaders the confidence to place tourism at the forefront of its recovery agenda.
This pivotal shift was announced in May by senior officials. While framed as a cautious restart, the government labeled it the first phase of a broader border reopening plan. With a successful rollout, authorities have indicated Japan could fully reopen to international visitors as soon as June—provided conditions remain stable. It’s important to note that this restart comes with strict parameters to manage health and safety.
Who can visit Japan—and under what rules?
Though select travelers are already being allowed entry, Japan is not yet open to all nationalities. As of now, only visitors from four countries have been granted entry: Australia, Thailand, Singapore, and the United States. All arriving tourists must present proof of a three-dose COVID-19 vaccination series and travel in pre-arranged, fixed groups to minimize exposure risk.
This news brings relief to fully vaccinated travelers who have eagerly awaited a chance to experience Japan since early 2020. Japan’s handling of the pandemic—despite multiple waves—has been notably effective compared to many other countries. To date, the nation has recorded 8.39 million COVID-19 infections and 30,087 deaths, a stark contrast to the global total of 522 million cases and 6.27 million deaths.
Daily visitor caps: a temporary safeguard
While the exact daily cap number has not been finalized, it has been confirmed that a cautious 20,000-person daily limit will be enforced as Japan gradually reopens. Given that pre-pandemic 2019 arrivals reached 31.9 million—and the government had targeted 40 million in 2020—this slow and steady approach reflects a commitment to safety amid rebuilding tourism.
Additionally, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has hinted at easing future border controls. Still, authorities emphasize that the process will remain measured as health protocols are reassessed.
