Tokyo in Japan is set to host the Summer Olympics with the international multi-sport event running from July 23 to August8. At present, the Olympics are set to be held with no inbound spectators. Even though the games are being held in the summer of 2021, they will still be referred to as the 2020 Olympics, after being delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, while they have been delayed for a year, only Japanese spectators will be able to attend the various events.
However, Japan’s public and private sectors are currently taking steps in an effort to restart inbound and outbound travel in the longer term.
COVID-19 vaccines and travel passes
Currently, Japan is working towards COVID-19 vaccinations and travel passes to allow travelers to move safety across the country’s borders. Japan has been slower than many other countries in vaccinating its citizens. It has been inoculating its healthcare workers since mid-February. However, vaccinations for anyone aged 65 or older are not expected to be complete until the end of June.
Japan’s government is encouraging the working-age population to get vaccinated and has said it will urge companies to allow their staff to take paid leave to get the vaccinations. It will further consider allowing public servants to take vacations for the same reason.
Upon vaccination, Japan will also issue digital health certificates to citizens. In fact, Japan has joined a number of countries which are embracing vaccine passports for their citizens, including Denmark, Israel and China.
According to a report by Nikkei, the digital certificate will be able to be managed via a mobile app and will be in line with international standards. This will allow each individual to present proof of vaccination at immigration checkpoints.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass
All Nippon Airways (ANA) is planning to trial the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Travel Pass app. The app allows passengers to verify if they meet the COVID-19 testing requirements at their destination. It also shares the travelers’ test results with airlines and authorities.
Yuji Hirako, president and CEO of ANA and a member of the board of governors of the IATA spoke about the ongoing trial. He said, “Through our trial, we hope to contribute to the development of the digital solution, which aims to make the travel experience more seamless, secure and contactless.”
Despite the advances being made, the Japanese public remains conservative about the idea of overseas travel. According to a survey run by Statista Research Department in Japan in December 2020, around three quarters of the people surveyed said they believed Japanese people should refrain from traveling overseas until at least July 2021. However, around one tenth of the almost 4,000 people surveyed said they believed it might be possible for Japanese people to begin traveling overseas between April and June 2021.
It seems likely that international travelers will not be able to visit Japan for some time and with so many other events, people in other countries will have to experience the Olympics virtually.
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