The wait for Japan to reopen its border to independent tourists is almost over with the country set to remove its strict COVID-19 entry restrictions on 11 October 2022, Japanese media is reporting.

From 11 October, the daily international arrival cap and visa requirements for overseas tourists will be lifted. The requirement for tourists entering Japan to book through a travel agency will also be removed.

PCR tests are no longer required before departure for tourists entering Japan who’ve received at least three COVID-19 vaccine doses.

This is welcome news for travellers. Although tourists have theoretically been allowed to enter Japan since June, the reopening has been gradual. Initially, only a limited number of international tourists from certain countries were allowed to enter – and only when travelling on an escorted tour organised by a Japanese travel agent. This requirement was very restrictive and put off a lot of would-be tourists.

Earlier this month, the Japanese government removed the requirement for international tourists to travel on an escorted package tour, but the need to book a tour through a travel agency remained. Some Australians were unable to contact Japanese travel agencies who were largely overwhelmed with the demand.

The Japanese government is hoping the expected increase in tourism will boost Japan’s struggling economy. Like many countries, Japan closed its border to international visitors in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it has been one of the last major countries to reopen.

The reopening of Japan’s international border also makes transits between Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports possible again. Currently, foreigners cannot technically make such connections because this requires entry into Japan.

After many foreign passengers were denied boarding due to booking an unworkable connection between Haneda and Narita, Japan Airlines temporarily increased the minimum connection time in July for transits between the two airports from 3.5 hours to 24 hours.

In exquisite timing, Qantas just restarted services between Sydney and Tokyo last week. Qantas’ Airbus A330-300 flights from Sydney to Haneda (QF25/26) are currently operating only three times per week, but will increase to daily from the end of October.

Qantas is currently scheduling a resumption of Brisbane-Tokyo flights, with services operating into Haneda Airport three times per week, from December 2022. Melbourne-Haneda flights are due to resume in March 2023.

Jetstar restarted its flights to Japan in July, while All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines have maintained flights to/from Australia throughout the pandemic.

Flights are expected to be in high demand as Australians flock back to Japan – especially over Christmas and New Year during the country’s ski season.

Taiwan and Hong Kong also reopening

Just two days after Japan reopens to tourists, Taiwan is expected to remove quarantine requirements for inbound arrivals. It’s also removing visa requirements for overseas tourists.

Hong Kong, too, is in the processing of removing mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival. However, a 7-day “self monitoring” requirement may remain.

Mainland China will soon be one of the last countries with borders still closed to international tourists due to COVID-19.

Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Japan Tourism for independent travellers

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.