Tourists to Japan must wear masks or risk being sent home

Locals and tourists at the Shibuya Sky observation deck, a tourist spot in Tokyo. Visitors to Japan must abide by the country’s Covid-19 rules, or risk expulsion. — AFP

Tourists visiting Japan may be sent home if they fail to abide by rules requiring them to wear masks, sanitise their hands thoroughly and buy private health insurance, according to guidelines set by the government ahead of the cautious, gradual reopening of Japan’s border.

Travel companies will be required to explain the rules and book tours only for customers who have agreed to comply. That will include a warning that the tourists could be asked to leave Japan if they disobey the rules. The guidelines, announced by the government’s tourism agency earlier this week, are part of an effort to restart inbound tourism after the borders closed in early 2020.