Starting November 6, Hawaii will start welcoming Japanese travelers back without the need to quarantine.
Two weeks after reopening for domestic tourism, Hawaii announced it will allow visitors from Japan if they test negative for Covid-19 within 72 hours of departing.
It is similar to the trans-Pacific travel program for travelers from other US states.
Japan is a key inbound market for Hawaii tourism.
"Back in March, when the 14-day mandatory quarantine was put in effect, I sent an apology to many Japanese travelers who were forced to cancel their trip to Hawaii due to our safety measures," said Hawaii Gov. David Ige.
"Today I’m sending a new message. Please feel free to safely visit our islands. We are ready and delighted to welcome you back."
Last year, Japanese visitors spent more than $2 billion in Hawaii.
However, on return to Japan, they will have to to quarantine for 14 days and take a PCR test.
No US visitors are currently allowed to travel to Japan for tourism purposes.
Ige said the pre-test travel program may soon be extended to other countries, such as Canada, China, South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US Editor
