Japan plans to reopen to international tourists in April 2021.

It has been more than six months since Japan closed its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many other countries, the country's tourism industry has been severely impacted. But this closure was to ensure that the number of infections remained low and that the healthcare system did not become overwhelmed and collapse.

However, the Tokyo Olympic Games are fast approaching, with the date set for July 23, 2021. The Vice President of the Olympic Committee, John Coates, has firmly stated that the Games will still take place regardless of "the presence or absence of Covid-19."

Although this is not an official government statement, the Japanese government has begun the process of reopening its borders to international tourists, not only in preparation for the world's biggest sporting event but also because the whole world is now managing the pandemic better.

The reopening process will involve several steps. Initially, the government will conduct a comprehensive investigation into how and when to implement it. Countermeasures will be in place by January 2021, and the ban on foreign tourists will be lifted by April 2021. However, this process will be carried out cautiously, on a trial basis.

The safety measures outlined in this plan will effectively monitor three key phases in a traveler's journey: arrival, stay, and departure. A health management map and dedicated fever control centers will also be established to avoid overwhelming existing healthcare facilities.

However, the reopening order also comes with some conditions. Visitors to Japan need to have a certificate proving they tested negative for the coronavirus. Although they are not required to quarantine for 14 days after entry, during the first two weeks, visitors must report their health status through a health management app.

These measures will be maintained throughout and after the Olympic Games as the Japanese government aims to revive international tourism.

Japan recently opened its borders to foreign visitors with long-term residency permits. These largely consist of employees of companies and organizations, as well as international students. Therefore, lifting the international travel ban is a logical next step.

Compared to many other countries, Japan is managing the pandemic very well. To date, the country has 86,000 cases of Covid-19 with over 1,600 deaths, which is a rate of 683 cases per million people, compared to a rate of 4,563 cases per million people in the United States.

Huong Thao