Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Organisers Confirm Foreign Fan Ban
In an unprecedented move, organisers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics have confirmed reports that no overseas spectators will be allowed to attend the Games rescheduled for July and August this year as a result of it being “highly unlikely” that general and touristic travel to Japan will be allowed owing to the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
All those who bought tickets outside of Japan will be refunded.
The confirmation came after a a meeting between delegates of the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 organising committee and the Japanese Government today. The decision on the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics comes amid continuing uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic.
The gathering issued a statement that included:
“Currently, the Covid-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still very challenging and a number of variant strains have emerged, whilst international travel remains severely restricted globally.
“Based on the present situation of the pandemic, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan will be guaranteed this summer for people from overseas.
“In order to give clarity to ticket-holders living overseas and to enable them to adjust their travel plans at this stage, the parties on the Japanese side have come to the conclusion that they will not be able to enter into Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This conclusion will further contribute to ensure safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.”
The Tokyo Olympics, which were originally scheduled to take place last year, are due to get underway on July 23, a year and a day after the original start date. They will run to August 8. The Paralympics will unfold between August 24 and September 5.