Japan’s surge in outbound travel: Visa-free access to 192 countries from August 2024
Japan’s outbound travel industry is set to experience terrific growth with the new visa-free entry policy for Japanese citizens to 192 countries, effective from August 2024. This includes major travel destinations such as the UK, Canada, UAE, USA, and Schengen countries. The new regulation is anticipated to enhance Japanese tourism abroad by offering greater freedom and convenience for travelers exploring various global destinations.
Japan, located in East Asia, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and advanced economy. Stretching approximately 1,500 miles from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south, Japan comprises four main islands that offer a rich blend of historical sites and modern attractions. This broad mobility is pivotal in promoting outbound tourism, particularly among younger travelers attracted to South Korea’s K-Pop culture, while older generations often prefer destinations like China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia.
Economic overview
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 that this figure might be understated, proposing an adjusted GDP of $6.287 trillion when accounting for the informal economy and outdated data, representing a potential increase of about 10%.
Japan’s outbound tourism sector is on an impressive growth trajectory, projected to expand 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 expected to rise dramatically to $57,856.2 million by 2033. In 2023 alone, Japanese travelers spent nearly 0.9 trillion yen on outbound travel, with a significant 39.4% increase in travelers noted in May 2024.
Visa-Free and Visa-On-Arrival Destinations
Japanese citizens will now enjoy visa-free access to a diverse range of countries, including Albania, Austria, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, the UK, the USA, and many more. For destinations requiring Visa on Arrival (VOA) or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), such as Australia, Canada, Kenya, and the United States, travelers can still benefit from streamlined entry processes.
Top outbound destinations
Popular destinations for Japanese travelers include South Korea, which saw approximately 2.32 million Japanese visitors in 2023, and the United States, attracting about 1.52 million Japanese visitors. Taiwan and Thailand also remain favored destinations, despite recent fluctuations in visitor numbers.
Japan’s airports and airlines
Japan’s major airports play a crucial role in facilitating international travel. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, handling a record 19.1 million international passengers in fiscal 2023, is a vital hub. Kansai International Airport and Fukuoka Airport also play significant roles in connecting Japan with global destinations. Prominent airlines such as Japan Airlines (JAL), Air Japan, and Peach Aviation support Japan’s robust international connectivity.
Japan’s enhanced visa-free travel policy is poised to boost outbound tourism, strengthen cultural exchanges, and solidify Japan’s status as a leading player in global tourism and economic development.
Originally Published at TIMESOFINDIA
