Japan travel is back!!!

Japanese border restrictions will be rolled back from September 7 which is great news for everyone looking to ski Japan this coming winter. It has been a long few years battling COVID and dealing with travel restrictions in Japan, so we're welcoming announcements of easing of border controls and the opportunity for skiers to hit the slopes again.

In August the Prime Minster officially announced that no PCR tests will be required by incoming fully vaccinated travellers from September 7, and that visitors will be able to be part of a "self-guided" tour, meaning they will no longer need a tour guide or part of an organised "tour group". He alluded to further changes being announced in the coming weeks, that will "further relax restrictions to make entry procedures as smooth as they are in other Group of Seven countries."  

Here's everything we currently understand about how you might be able to travel to Japan this coming ski season and what to expect when you're there.

What are the current travel requirements for traveling to Japan?

Currently all travellers must have a visa, have their travel registered and be part of an official "tour group" (this can be a tour group of 1 person). 

What are the expected travel requirements for a Japan ski trip?

For tourists from a Blue category country (Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada USA, UK, Taiwan and more) as of September 7:

• It will be possible to enter the country on an "unguided package tour"
• PCR tests will no longer be required to enter the country for travellers over the age of 12 who are fully vaccinated (boosted) and from low risk countries.
• Tourists will require a pre-approved visa for travel into Japan and their travel plans registered by a Japanese Travel agent (i.e. the "unguided package tour"). Both the visa application and itinerary registration will be completed by the travel agent. The traveller is then required to visit a consulate in their home country to collect their visa, taking the required supporting documentation from the travel agent. 
• During their stay travelers must adhere to basic infection prevention measures and will need to be enrolled in a travel insurance plan that covers medial expenses related to coronavirus.

Will we need to be part of a "tour group"?

As of September 7, no! Travellers will no longer need to part of a 'tour group' to visit Japan and will not need to be in the company of a tour guide. However, additional travel requirements may be needed including checking in with a travel coordinator upon arrival into Japan and logging daily activites.

Can Scout organise my trip?

Yes. Although Scout is not an accredited travel agency in Japan we can still organise your trip and all the required documentation. We are working closely with a number of trusted, registered Japanese travel agencies who will be assisting with our clients' travel registrations, visa applications and entry requirements. Their guest services teams will provide support throughout your trip and monitor guest movements in line with the travel policies.

What will all the documents and registrations cost?

We don't have an exact figure yet however expect some extra admin fees involved in the Japanese Travel Agency applying for your visa and registering your travel. We don't expect it will be prohibitive to travel, but instead a small price to pay for being able to travel freely in Japan and get some of the famous Japow this season.

Do I need to take a COVID test or PCR prior to travel?

All travellers who are from a low-risk countries that have been fully vaccinated (at least 3 times) are exempt from the test requirement as of September 7. Unvaccinated travellers will require a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure.

When will further travel restrictions be lifted?

We are feeling positive that more announcements will be made very soon.

What can we expect at the ski resorts in Japan this season?

Life in Japan is somewhat similar to your home country with most of the freedoms you currently enjoy post Covid. In Japanese ski resorts you can expect to be able to explore freely and visit local restaurants and bars, however mask mandates are still in place and you may be required to check-in using the government QR-Codes. According to government guidelines, foreign tourists are required to wear a mask at all times unless they’re outdoors and able to distance from others, are exercising outdoors (such as skiing!) or are distanced indoors.

The Scout team will keep you up-to-date as more information is released. One thing we're certain about is we just can't wait to get you back on the slopes in Japan! Contact Scout to organise your Japan Ski Package today.