Have you recently had visitors, either family or friends, from abroad?How was the process for them? Do you have any tips or cautions for foreign residents receiving international guests?
It's still somewhat cumbersome to get in as a tourist. You do have to book with a recognized travel agent, although not just the big Japanese ones. That's as of September 7. It should ease even more either before the new year or shortly thereafter, I think. Currently, the most cumbersome thing is that a business traveler does need a "sponsor," much as it was prior to around the 1980s. It isn't that difficult, but the visitor can't get in without having the sponsor document in place prior to arrival. I'm waiting for a guy from Australia to have his approved-his sponsor is an investment consultant in Fukuoka. It might just be easier for him to come as a tourist now.
I've got mixed feelings about the opening which starts next week. Can visitors respect how Japanese people continue to observe mitigation? Can my friends affort the air tickets which are still quite expensive? And I share your hunch that Japan could limit or close tourism if we get an 8th wave.
It's still somewhat cumbersome to get in as a tourist. You do have to book with a recognized travel agent, although not just the big Japanese ones. That's as of September 7. It should ease even more either before the new year or shortly thereafter, I think. Currently, the most cumbersome thing is that a business traveler does need a "sponsor," much as it was prior to around the 1980s. It isn't that difficult, but the visitor can't get in without having the sponsor document in place prior to arrival. I'm waiting for a guy from Australia to have his approved-his sponsor is an investment consultant in Fukuoka. It might just be easier for him to come as a tourist now.