Japan: Foreigners with unpaid medical bills to be refused entry from 2019

Event

Starting in 2019, foreign travelers who have unpaid medical bills in Japan may be refused entry to the country. The Japanese government announced the decision on Friday, June 15. The government hopes the measure will encourage foreigner travelers to subscribe to medical insurance before coming to Japan. Details regarding the regulation are expected to be released in the coming months.

Context

According to reports, 35 percent of foreigner nationals were unable to pay medical bills incurred in the country in 2015. The government wishes to implement the measure in 2019 and work out any kinks ahead of the surge of travelers expected for the 2020 Olympic Games, being held in Tokyo.