Japan to issue multiple-entry visas during World Cup

The Japanese government has decided to issue multiple re-entry visas to spectators from countries other than Japan and Korea during the 2002 World Cup soccer finals, the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported Monday.

The measure is aimed at removing the inconvenience of waiting for new visas when spectators travel between Japan and Korea.

The Japanese government had been reluctant to adopt the measure, fearing that it would increase the number of illegal foreigners there, but chose to take the step as part of efforts to successfully host the huge international event.

To prevent illegal stays, the government is considering steps such as demanding the presentation of soccer tickets from foreigners entering the country. The newspaper reported that the Korean government would adopt the same measure. Currently, Japanese do not have to obtain visas when they visit Korea for periods of less than a month but Koreans are required to get visas to enter Japan. As the visas remain valid for a year, Korean soccer fans are not expected to have problems when traveling between the two countries to attend World Cup games