Japan is Surging Travel Industry with Visa Free Entry to 192 countries including UK, Canada, UAE, USA and Schengen Nations – Travel And Tour World

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Japan’s outbound travel industry is surging with the introduction of visa free entry for Japanese citizens to 192 countries as of August 2024. This includes major destinations like the UK, Canada, UAE, USA, and Schengen nations. This development is expected to boost Japanese tourism abroad, providing greater freedom and ease for Japanese travelers exploring the world.

Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and advanced economy. Spanning roughly 1,500 miles from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, Japan comprises four main islands that offer a blend of historical sights and modern attractions. This mobility plays a crucial role in fostering outbound tourism, particularly among the youth drawn to South Korea’s K-Pop culture and the older demographics favoring destinations like China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.

TTW Editor in Chief Mr. Anup Kumar Keshan said: “This initiative is a monumental shift for Japan’s outbound travel industry, empowering Japanese citizens to explore the world with unprecedented ease. By providing visa-free access to 192 countries, including key destinations like the UK, Canada, UAE, USA, and Schengen nations, Japan is not only enhancing global mobility but also strengthening its cultural and economic ties with these countries. This move will undoubtedly encourage more Japanese travelers to embark on international adventures, enriching their experiences and fostering global connections.”

Japan’s Economic:

As of late 2023, Japan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms was officially estimated at $5.735 trillion. However, World Economics suggests this figure might be undervalued, proposing an adjusted GDP of $6.287 trillion considering the informal economy and out-of-date data. This represents a potential 10% increase over official metrics.

Outbound Tourism Dynamics:

The outbound tourism sector in Japan is on a significant upward trajectory, expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 27.1% from 2023 to 2033. The market value, estimated at $5,271.0 million in 2023, is projected to surge to $57,856.2 million by 2033. In 2023 alone, Japanese travelers spent nearly 0.9 trillion yen on outbound travel, with a notable 39.4% year-over-year increase in travelers in May 2024.

Citizens of Japan can travel to:

• Albania
• Andorra
• Angola
• Anguilla
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina
• Armenia
• Aruba
• Austria
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belarus
• Belgium
• Belize
• Bermuda
• Bolivia
• Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Botswana
• Brazil
• British Virgin Islands
• Brunei
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• Colombia
• Cook Islands
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Curacao
• Cyprus
• Czechia
• Denmark
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Estonia
• eSwatini
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• Fiji
• Finland
• France
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• French West Indies
• Georgia
• Germany
• Gibraltar
• Greece
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Guam
• Guatemala
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Honduras
• Hong Kong (SAR China)
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Iran
• Iraq
• Ireland
• Israel
• Italy
• Jamaica
• Kazakhstan
• Kiribati
• Kosovo
• Kyrgyzstan
• Laos
• Latvia
• Lesotho
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Macao (SAR China)
• Madagascar
• Malaysia
• Malta
• Mayotte
• Mexico
• Micronesia
• Moldova
• Monaco
• Mongolia
• Montenegro
• Montserrat
• Morocco
• Mozambique
• Namibia
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• Nicaragua
• Niue
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Norway
• Oman
• Palestinian Territory
• Panama
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Peru
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Puerto Rico
• Reunion
• Romania
• San Marino
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Senegal
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• Spain
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Lucia
• St. Maarten
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Suriname
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)
• Tajikistan
• Thailand
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Tunisia
• Türkiye
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• Ukraine
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• Uruguay
• Vanuatu
• Vatican City
• Venezuela
• Vietnam

VOA (Visa on Arrival):

• Azerbaijan
• Bahrain
• Bangladesh
• Burundi
• Cambodia
• Cape Verde Islands
• Comoro Islands
• Djibouti
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• Guinea-Bissau
• India
• Indonesia
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Lebanon
• Malawi
• Maldives
• Marshall Islands
• Mauritania
• Myanmar
• Nepal
• Palau Islands
• Qatar
• Rwanda
• Samoa
• Saudi Arabia
• Seychelles
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• Somalia
• Sri Lanka
• St. Helena
• Tanzania
• Timor-Leste
• Tonga
• Tuvalu
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization):

• American Samoa
• Australia
• Canada
• Kenya
• New Zealand
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• United States
• US Virgin Islands

Top Outbound Destinations for Japanese Travelers:

1. South Korea: In 2023, approximately 2.32 million Japanese visited South Korea, showcasing the cultural influence and proximity that make it a top destination.
2. United States: The U.S. saw about 1.52 million Japanese visitors in 2023, maintaining its appeal across the Pacific.
3. Taiwan: Approximately 0.93 million Japanese traveled to Taiwan in 2023, though this was a decline from pre-pandemic levels.
4. Thailand: Thailand continues to attract Japanese tourists, with around 805.8 thousand visitors in 2023, rebounding post-COVID-19 disruptions.

Japan’s Key Airports and Airlines:

• Tokyo Haneda International Airport: Located close to central Tokyo, Haneda Airport handled a record 19.1 million international passengers in fiscal 2023, serving as a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights.
• Kansai International Airport: Serving the Kansai region, this airport on an artificial island near Osaka is noted for its design by Renzo Piano and handled significant traffic volumes with robust connectivity.
• Fukuoka Airport: This airport serves as a gateway to the Kyushu region and stands out for its proximity to Fukuoka city center, facilitating easy access for travelers.

Prominent Airlines:

• Japan Airlines (JAL): With hubs at Tokyo’s Narita and Haneda airports, JAL is a leader in international and domestic travel, reflecting Japan’s strong global connectivity.
• Air Japan: An ANA subsidiary, this carrier focuses on medium to long-haul international routes, offering cost-effective travel options under ANA’s reputable service standards.
• Peach Aviation: This low-cost carrier, headquartered at Kansai International Airport, caters extensively to budget travelers across Asia.

Japan’s robust passport ranking facilitates a dynamic outbound tourism sector that not only enhances economic prospects through travel expenditures but also fosters cultural exchange. With strategic investments in airport infrastructure and airline services, Japan is poised to maintain its position as a global tourism and economic leader in the years to come.