Covid/Tokyo 2020: no spectators from abroad in Japan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

"As outlined in the full statement by Tokyo 2020, the conclusion of the Japanese parties is not to allow entry into Japan for overseas spectators for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 due to the prevailing worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. Tickets purchased by overseas residents from the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will be refunded," announced the IOC on 20/03/2021.

"We share the disappointment of all enthusiastic Olympic fans from around the world, and of course the families and friends of the athletes, who were planning to come to the Games. For this I am truly sorry. We know that this is a great sacrifice for everybody. We have said from the very beginning of this pandemic that it will require sacrifices. But we have also said that the first principle is safety," said Thomas Bach, president of the IOC.

"Every decision has to respect the principle of safety first. I know that our Japanese partners and friends did not reach this conclusion lightly. Together with them, the IOC's top priority was, is and remains to organise safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everyone…