Japan will reopen to tourists from 98 countries and regions starting 10 June, ending a two-year closure due to the pandemic, AP reported.

The decision came after the government said last week that small group tours with visitors from the United States, Australia, Thailand and Singapore would be allowed starting in May.

The government revised border controls to resume accepting tour packages from 98 countries and regions, including the United Kingdom, the United States, France, Spain, Canada and Malaysia.

Japan will also increase the number of airports accepting international flights to seven.

Throughout most of the pandemic, Japan has banned all travelers and only allowed citizens and foreign residents to enter.

All arrivals must be tested negative in Japan, and many must be retested upon arrival.

Tourist groups are expected to take responsibility for ensuring that visitors comply with Japan's near-universal mask-wearing and other measures that have helped keep Covid-19 casualty rates relatively low.