2023: China Announces Resumption Of Visas For Japanese

TOKYO, Japan — China said on Sunday that it would start giving visas to Japanese tourists again after a nearly three-week break. The break was a protest against Tokyo’s stricter COVID-19 entry rules for Chinese tourists.

In a statement that was put on the website of the Chinese Embassy, the decision was made clear.

On January 10, China ceased issuing new visas in Japan, ostensibly in retaliation for Tokyo’s requirement of additional tests for Chinese tourists in late December, ahead1 of the Lunar New Year holidays. Japan cited rising coronavirus infections in China after abruptly relaxing coronavirus restrictions and limited COVID-19 data from Beijing.

In October, Japan reopened its borders to individual tourists. Travelers who have proof that they have been vaccinated can avoid being tested at airports unless they are showing signs of illness. On December 30, Japan told all Chinese travelers that they had to show negative tests before leaving and take another test when they arrived.

China Stopped Visas For Most Asian Central Countries

China also stopped issuing visas to South Koreans after South Korea did the same for short-term Chinese visitors in early January.

South Korea announced last Friday that it would keep the measure in place until the end of February, citing concerns that the spread of COVID-19 in China may worsen following Lunar New Year travel.

According to Chinese health officials, infections have peaked, but there are concerns abroad that Beijing is not sharing enough data.

In Japan, the most recent wave of infections seems to be ending, as the number of confirmed cases per day has dropped to about one-fifth of what it was at its highest point in early January.

Last week, Japan’s government said that COVID-19 would be downgraded to seasonal flu in May. This will make wearing masks and taking other precautions less important as the country tries to get back to normal.

SOURCE – (AP)