Since the easing of border measures from October 11th, 2022, and then the introduction the following month of a full visa waiver for UAE nationals from November 1st, Emirati and GCC nationals have been flocking to Japan at levels comparable or even greater than that experience during pre-covid periods.
The surge in visitation is expected to increase from March onwards as many tourists travel to Japan to enjoy the seasonal cherry blossoms.
- The number of UAE nationals visiting Japan in December 2022 was 1,264, which is 18.6% higher than December 2019.
- The number of GCC nationals visiting Japan in January 2023 was 1,517, which is only 10.7% lower than January 2019.
*Data from Preliminary statistics, Immigration Services Agency, Japan
【Remarks by Executive Director of Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Dubai office, Mr. KOBAYASHI Daisuke】