Since June 10, all foreign visitors to Japan have been required to wear masks and have insurance to cover health care costs in case they contract Covid-19.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has just drafted a guideline, emphasizing that foreign tourists must comply with regulations on wearing masks and having insurance before traveling to this country. These are changes in regulations of the Japanese Government in the context of the country gradually opening up after 2 years of applying strict restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In case a foreign tourist is found to have Covid-19, travel agencies are responsible for taking that tourist to medical facilities and providing support until they leave Japan.
Foreign visitors entering Japan must wear masks and have insurance. Photo: Reuters
Travel agencies must keep information about tours so that in case a tourist is found to have Covid-19, authorities can quickly trace and quarantine close contacts.
The Japan Tourism Agency guidelines state: "Guides must regularly remind their group members of the need to take preventive measures such as wearing masks throughout the tour. Even in outdoor spaces, wearing masks should be maintained when people interact in close proximity."
In addition, to limit the spread of the disease, tourists will have to register for group tours through a travel agency and have tour guides accompanying them.
In preparation for opening, from June 1, Japan has begun doubling the limit on the number of people entering the country each day to 20,000 people.
