Japan considers extending visa exemptions for Thais

During a meeting between Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa and his Japanese counterpart Yoko Kamikawa in Tokyo this week, the Japanese side appreciated the contribution of Thai tourists to the Japanese economy.

Japan pledged to boost tourism cooperation between the two countries, according to a statement posted on the ministry’s website.

Since July 2013, Japan has offered visa exemptions for Thai visitors in a bid to revive its tourism industry following the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster, Bangkok Post reported.

The policy allows Thai tourists to enter Japan without a visa for up to 15 days.

Over 900,000 Thais visited Japan last year, equivalent to 80% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.

The Thai Travel Agents Association has announced that it expects the number of Thais visiting Japan to reach 1.5 million in total this year.