As one of the countries with the most stringent pandemic-related restrictions, Japan is finally opening up to mass tourism again.
After more than two years, tourists will be allowed back from October 11.
Most of the country's entry restrictions will be eased, including a daily passenger cap on visitor numbers.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently announced the update while in New York, saying: “Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US.”
An official update has yet to be posted by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which governs entry requirements.
Under the proposed rule change, some travellers will once again be able to visit Japan under its visa-exemption service, which was paused during the global pandemic.
Japan has been prising its borders open since June.
It first reopened to those in trial groups and then extended this to organised tour groups. Since September 11, tourists have been able to visit if they booked trips through a travel agent.
But the strict measures have kept the country’s tourist numbers down.
In August, 169,000 people travelled to Japan from overseas, down 93 per cent when compared to pre-pandemic visitor data.
From next month, tourism authorities will be hoping those figures reverse, as individual tourists should once again be able to explore Tokyo’s neon-lined streets, Kyoto’s ancient geishas and Nara’s deer-filled temples.
If you’ve been waiting to visit, here’s what you need to know.
What rules are changing for travellers flying to Japan?
If the prime minister’s announcement is followed, then from October 11, individual tourists will once again be able to travel to Japan.
This means that people can book their own flights, accommodation and experiences, without having to go through a travel agent, which was the previous rule.
A daily cap on arriving visitors will also be abolished. It’s currently set at 50,000 per day but will be removed completely on October 11.
And, while the Japan National Tourism Organisation has shared the latest update on Twitter, tourists should wait for official details from authorities before booking trips.
Do I need to be vaccinated to travel to Japan?
To visit Japan, travellers must be triple vaccinated with an approved brand, or have a PCR test showing a negative result and be taken no more than 72 hours before flight departure times. All visitors must also sign a pledge to abide by Japanese rules on Covid measures in place in the country.
Can travellers visit Japan from any country?
Japan currently operates a red, yellow and blue traffic light system and there’s been no news on whether this will change.
At present, travellers arriving from the blue list are able to visit without quarantine or tests on arrival. Yellow list travellers only need to do tests on arrival if they do not have a vaccine certificate, while all arrivals from red-listed countries must test on arrival.
Will I still have to book my entire itinerary through an agent or travel with a group?
No, under the proposed new rules, travellers would be able to make their own plans on their own timelines.
This includes booking accommodation, transport and excursions. It also adds flexibility as previously those visiting on a pre-booked trip were not able to add any new activities or excursions to their agenda once it had been approved for travel.
Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?
As part of the changes, Japan is planning to reinstate pre-coronavirus 19 exemptions for short-term visitors to enter the country without a visa from October 11.
The exemption applies to travellers from more than 60 countries who will soon be able to travel freely to Japan for tourism.
Is this a good time to visit Japan?
October is a great time of the year to travel to Japan as the country glows with autumn foliage and the weather cools down after the heat of summer.
This reopening to mass tourism also looks to coincide with the yen slipping to its lowest levels against the dollar in more than two decades, making Japan a more affordable destination for a holiday.
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The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
On racial profiling at airports
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Racecard
5.25pm: Etihad Museum – Maiden (TB) Dh82,500 (Turf) 1,200m
6pm: Al Shindaga Museum – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (Dirt) 1,200m
6.35pm: Poet Al Oqaili – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
7.10pm: Majlis Ghurfat Al Sheif – Handicap (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 1,600m
7.45pm: Hatta – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,400m
8.20pm: Al Fahidi – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh87,500 (D) 2,200m
8.55pm: Zabeel Trophy – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh120,000 (T) 1,600m
9.30pm: Coins Museum – Rated Conditions (TB) Dh95,000 (D) 1,600m
10.05pm: Al Quoz Creative – Handicap (TB) Dh95,000 (T) 1,000m
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
