In 2017, almost 30 million of foreign tourists visited Japan showing a 19% increase compared to the previous year. The Japanese government is looking forward to increasing the number to 40 million by 2020 with further 50% growth during the next decade. In order to achieve this goal and boost the inbound tourism, Japan is also considering to ease visa requirements and raise the number of low-cost airlines operating both international and domestic flights.
Chinese tourists will be the first to acknowledge the benefits of the online visa application. Last year, almost 60% of all the Japanese visas issued to tourists were granted to visitors from China. It is the reason China was chosen to test the new system. In the beginning, the visitors will apply for their tourist visas online but through tourist agencies.
As Tokyo is preparing to host 2020 Olympics, electronic visa system will be of great help. It will facilitate the process of visa application and reduce the workload at diplomatic missions. It will also help tighten immigration control as visa data will be shared with airlines.
Electronic Visa System for Tourists in Japan Will Be Launched in 2020
News in Asia
Japan is ready to introduce electronic visa system for tourists in April 2020. It is one of the steps which will help the country to achieve 60 million visitors by 2030.