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Japan Tourism Agency draws up a guideline to accept international tourists, clarifying operators’ responsibility

Japan Tourism Agency announced a guideline for tour operators, tour conductors and accommodations in accepting international package tours, which have been allowed as ease of the travel restrictions since June 10 2022. 

The guideline clarifies a responsibility for a travel company and a tour operator to offer a tour. A travel company is required to register tour applicants to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System or ERFS and agree with a commitment form. If it breaks the rules, the name of a company can be announced officially, and it may be impossible to return to the ERFS.

Also, a travel company must explain precaution measures in Japan, including wearing mask in traveling, purchase of a medical insurance and registration to ‘Visit Japan Web’ in advance to tour applicants.

In addition, the guideline calls for a travel company to support a positive applicant (if discovered) until returning home and to identify close contact persons.

Package tours are limited to 98 countries and regions (as of June 7) in the BLUE category.

観光庁が制作した訪日外国人向けの感染防止対策の周知用チラシ