Japan will remove restrictions and allow for normal Tourism

Japan will scrap nearly all its remaining entry requirements and allow for normal tourism after over 2.5 years of stringent restrictions.

Travelers have kept an eye on Japan to reopen earlier this year. During that time, Japan only made minuscule adjustments that allowed for travel under very strict conditions. The country did not allow foreigners to enter for tourism purposes.

Travelers who wanted to visit Japan could only go through by booking with a tour operator. While in the country, they could not leave their tour group for any reason. Additionally, travelers had to comply with all local regulations or instructions from their tour guide.

But some restrictions are still in place. Specifically, visitors entering Japan will either need to have received three shots of a Covid-19 vaccine or take a pre-arrival PCR test. Fully vaccinated individuals will not have to take a pre-departure test and can travel to Japan much like they could before the pandemic. Mask use is still strongly recommended by the local government in certain situations, such as most public transportation. Travelers should bring a few for the journey, just in case.

Serbia to bar visa-free travel for Indian travellers from January 1, 2023

Starting new year, all Indian travellers will need to apply for a visa to enter Serbia.

The existing arrangement of visa-free entry into Serbia for all Indian passport holders for staying in Serbia up to 30 days has been withdrawn by the Government of Serbia.

Indian nationals, who intend to visit Serbia on or after 1 January 2023, should apply for visa at the Embassy of Serbia in New Delhi or in the country of their residence, the statement from the Embassy added.

Indian passport holders who have a valid Schengen, UK visa, or visa of the United States of America, or residence permit of these countries can enter visa free to Republic of Serbia up to 90 days during a six-month period, and within validity of said visas or residence permits.