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Japan Welcomes Filipino Tourists Back as Borders Reopen

TOKYO/MANILA – Beginning today, Oct. 11, visitors from the Philippines can travel again to Japan as the country reopens its borders to independent foreign tourists for the first time after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.

“Mabuhay! My dear Filipino friends, thank you very much for your appreciation of Japan. Since the COVID-19 situation has improved, we have started to relax the entry procedures. Now you can enjoy individual travel to our country,” Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in pre-recorded video message.

“As the autumn approaches, we invite you to Japan and experience the best of the season. Come and discover the many charms of Japan,” he added.

The Japan Embassy in Manila resumed the application and issuance of all kinds of visas, including temporary visitor for individual travel, visiting friends, and multiple-entry, last Oct. 4.

Filipinos who still have a valid multiple-entry visa can enter the Land of the Rising Sun just like before the pandemic.

"All entrants/returnees to Japan with a valid vaccination certificate which proves three doses of COVID-19 vaccine accredited by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare are not required to obtain a negative certificate,” the Embassy announced.

It further stated, “Other entrants/returnees need to obtain a negative test result for COVID-19 conducted within 72 hours prior to departure.”

The Embassy encourages Filipino travelers to use the “Fast Track” and “Visit Japan Web” when traveling to Japan “for smooth Customs, Immigration and Quarantine procedures.” - Florenda Corpuz

(Article cover photo: Ninenzaka Street in Kyoto on Sept. 24, 2022 | Din Eugenio)