Japan is the latest country to ease its borders for at least 98 countries. If you’re heading to Japan from America, you will now need a visa to enter.
Before the pandemic, Americans didn’t pay as they were exempted from leisure travel. But all that has changed and it will cost you $28 for a single visa entry.
And it’s more than obtaining a visa to gain access to the country.
Foreign travelers will also have to obtain private medical insurance that covers medical expenses related to COVID-19. Masks are required, and travelers must be supervised by an organized tour group.
First Post reports that masks are mandatory on public transportation and public facilities. People can take off masks when outdoors and when not around others.
Expect Delays With Visa
Japan is often high on the bucket list for travelers to explore the history, culture, and food. In 2019, Japan welcomed 32 million visitors. The country anticipated 40 million visitors by 2022, CNBC reports.
But like so many countries, the pandemic forced borders to close and impacted the economies relying on tourism. Only 250,000 foreign visitors entered Japan in 2021.
Even with the announcement, Japanese leaders are limiting the number of visitors to 20,000 per day. This means you can expect delays with your visa.
As of now, only the embassies, consulates, and consular offices of Japan can issue visas. There’s currently a backlog of visa applications, so it may take longer than normal to obtain one.
“Due to the tremendous amount of visa applications we are processing, we cannot provide you with any status updates,” the Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco stated on its website.
If you’re planning double or multiple entries, the visa price increases to $56. If you need to travel to another country by way of Japan, the transit visa is $6.
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You can find more information, including the rules on quarantining by clicking here.