japan travel news september 2022

Japan allowing independent tourists to visit for the first time since the pandemic

Japan is swinging open its doors to tourists.

The country first cracked the door open to authorized tour groups  in June. However, tourist numbers were capped, and travelers had to meet special visa requirements to enter.

Starting Oct. 11, independent tourists will be welcome back in Japan, and caps and pandemic-related visa requirements will be lifted.

Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the country's wider reopening Thursday during a press conference around the United Nations General Assembly  gathering in New York. 

He received thunderous applause when he shared the same news in a speech at the New York Stock Exchange.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

"Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the U.S. as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel," Kishida said.

Japan's tourism industry has been devastated by tight border controls over the past two years. 

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'They should've helped me': Booking through platforms like Expedia leaves some travelers stranded

Can I travel to Japan right now?

Travelers may currently visit Japan with authorized tour groups, but they'll be able to explore the country on their own starting in mid-October.

Do I need to quarantine or a COVID test to visit Japan?

Travelers who've received at least three doses of COVID vaccines can skip pre-departure testing , as of early September.

No COVID testing or quarantine is required upon arriving in Japan from the United States. Travelers from other countries may need to test or quarantine, depending on the country of origin. Details are available through Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

Is Japan costly to visit?

Traveling in Japan can get expensive, but its currently  weak yen  can work in travelers' favor.

Where can I find help once I'm in Japan?

The Japan National Tourism Organization offers a 24-hotline with tourist information and emergency assistance available in English. The phone number is 050-3816-2787 from inside Japan or +81-50-3816-2787 from abroad.

There is also a U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and several U.S. Consulates across the country.

Contributing: Associated Press

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Travelling To Japan In 2022: Visa Procedures, Apps To Download & What To Expect After You Land

Travelling to Japan in 2022

Months after Japan first began to welcome travellers, the country is finally further easing its border control. With effect from 7th September , Japan will be doing away with several strict regulations that discouraged international visitors from entering the country. 

However, before you hop on the next plane to Japan, note that there are limitations that come with the good news. Whether you’re poised to make the big move as a student or are simply looking to make a long-awaited trip to the country , read on for our ultimate guide on travelling to Japan in the 2022 pandemic era.

For more guides, check out:

• How to rent an apartment in Japan
• Anime speech habits to avoid using in real life
• Shopping etiquette to look out for 

For tourists

1. non-guided packaged tours now allowed.

Previously, in order to enter Japan, international travellers had to be part of a pre-booked and guided tour led by a tour conductor. On 31st August, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio announced that with effect from 7th September, non-guided packaged tours will be allowed.  

In other words, travellers will still have to book travel packages from authorised tour agencies, and adhere to the planned itinerary. This means that solo or free-and-easy travel is still not allowed, though visitors will no longer be tagged by a tour guide.  

The daily cap of new entrants is also slated to be raised from 20,000 to 50,000 – more than double the current limit.

2. Pre-flight negative PCR test no longer required

Previously, de pending on the country you’re from, you may or may not have been subject to quarantine. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , countries or regions are classified as red, yellow, or blue. Passengers from the red group are required to do a pre-flight and post-arrival PCR test, on top of a 3-day quarantine as a designated facility.

However, from 7th September, individuals vaccinated with 3 doses of the approved vaccine, including a booster shot, will no longer need to test negative on a PCR test 72 hours prior to their flight.

3. International flights at Naha and New Chitose Airport to resume

Besides the above, international flights are also slated to be resumed at Naha Airport and New Chitose Airport, gateways to Okinawa and Hokkaido respectively.

Currently, international flights can only land in 5 major airports, which includes Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita Airport, as well as Osaka’s Kansai Airport.

4. Travellers must be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies

Once the packaged tours are open for booking, travellers will have to be sponsored by Japanese travel agencies or similar organisations. In other words, the agencies will act as your sponsor and are responsible for your being in the country . 

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare , the travel agencies undertaking the guided tour will have to register for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS) on behalf of the participants. 

Once successfully registered, a certificate will be sent to sponsors, and the certificate can be submitted to the relevant embassy for visa application, if there is a need for one. 

For international students and business travellers

Applying for your visa, 1. getting a certificate of eligibility (coe).

A Certificate of Eligibility , or COE for short, is your first step to entering the country. In a nutshell, it’s a document provided by the Regional Immigration Bureau , which certifies that the applicant has met all the requirements needed to reside in the country.

All paperwork and application procedures should be handled by your sponsor, which can be your employer, school, or relative. An important point to note is that your COE is not a replacement for a visa , but a required document that should be submitted to your local Japanese embassy during your visa application.

2. Registering for the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS)

With effect from 1st March 2022, restrictions on new foreign entries have been revised. The new border measures now require an additional document on top of the COE – a certificate for completion of registration to the Entrants, Returnees Follow-up System (ERFS).

Like the COE, sponsors will be required to register the entrants’ information online . Once successfully registered, the certificate will be sent to sponsors , and foreign applicants can proceed to submit the certificate for visa processing.

3. Visa application

After gathering all the necessary certificates from your sponsor, it’s time to head to your local Japanese embassy. The list of required documents depends on factors such as your nationality, purpose of travel, and type of visa. 

But in general, bring along your passport, a completed application form , photograph in the specified dimensions, your COE, and your ERFS registration certificate . Due to the pandemic, your local embassy may require visitors to book an appointment in advance, so call ahead before going. 

Once the application is submitted, it should take a few business days . A gain, the duration varies , and you may return to pick up your visa once it’s issued. 

4. Enter Japan before your COE expires

In principle, a COE is only valid within 90 days of its issue . Applicants have to enter Japan before the deadline, otherwise it becomes invalid.

But due to the ever-changing border restrictions, Japan has extended the validity period. For COEs issued between 1st January 2020 to 31st January 2022 , they expire on 31st July 2022 . T hose issued from 1st February 2022 to 31st July 2022 are valid for six months .

Other preflight procedures

1. getting a yunyu kakunin-sho for your medication.

Formerly known as Yakkan Shōmei (薬監証明), a Yunyu Kakuninsho (輸入確認証) is a permit for medicine importation. Travellers can only bring along more than one month’s supply of prescription medications, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices , if they’ve obtained a certified yunyu kakuninsho beforehand .

In the application document , detail the prescription item and quantity , then attach a doctor’s note and your flight itinerary . Email the PDF file to the relevant authorities of the airport at which you will be landing. Depending on the volume of applications that are being processed, it can take up to a few business days, so make sure to factor in enough time before your flight.

After you receive a certified permit, bring along a hard copy of it and declare your medication during customs clearance.

2. Download and register on the MySOS app

In order to expedite arrival procedures, the Fast Track was implemented at major airports such as Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport. New foreign entrants can complete parts of the immigration procedure in advance by installing the MySOS app.

To register the necessary documents, you must first fill out the questionnaire and written pledge. The app will then prompt you to submit your vaccination certificate and a negative test result for COVID-19.

T he screen will remain yellow while your documents are being reviewed. After they are verified and good to do, your screen should turn green , and you can flash the page upon arrival in Japan. 

The whole process is relatively smooth, with each step of verification taking only around 20 minutes. That said, the preflight Fast Track application has to be completed at least 16 hours in advance before your arrival.

3. Prepare your vaccination certificate

Like many countries, Japan requires travellers to be vaccinated. Prepare a valid vaccination certificate that’s issued by the government in your country. The document should detail your name, passport number, manufacturer of vaccines, vaccination dates, and at least two doses of approved vaccinations.

Before you get on the plane, the airline will do a quick scan before allowing you onto the plane, so bring along a hardcopy of the certificate. 

4. Prepare a copy of your Written Pledge

In compliance with border measures, new entrants are to submit a signed copy of the Written Pledge . The two-page document outlines measures you will be required to observe , which includes providing updates on your location, complying with requests from relevant officials, staying at home, and more.

Those refusing to sign will be assigned to a quarantine location to self-isolate, and any violation of the clauses may result in deportation.

Upon arrival, submit the signed copy of your pledge to the airport quarantine station when prompted.

5. Money matters

With the sharp fall in the value of Japanese yen recently, we recommend changing just a minimal amount of the local currency in advance. 

Multi-currency digital wallets such as YouTrip and Revolut allow you to make in-app currency exchange s without having to worry about lugging a huge amount of cash around. While smaller mom-and-pop shops m ay not take cashless payments, the cards can be used at most convenience stores, chain shopping malls, and supermarkets.  

What to expect after landing

1. be prepared to show your mysos app.

Once you touch down, you’ll be guided through rounds of checks, going from station to station. Get the green screen on your MySOS app ready as it will be the first thing the q uarantine staff will check.

After they’ve verified your pre-registration, you’ll be handed a piece of document – they call it “Health Card” – attached to a small slip of yellow paper printed with a checklist.

2. Declaring your travel history

And so begins the process of getting in line and going through several stations. Besides collecting the questionnaire for COVID-19 related measures, which should be given to you on the plane to fill out, the staff will also ask about your travel history and a series of other questions. Be clear about where you’ve been in the preceding 14 days before entry.

3. Collecting saliva sample s for the COVID-19 test

Next, to conduct a PCR test, new arrivals will be given an empty plastic tube that’s labelled with a number, as well as a funnel. Proceed to the booths and spit several times into the tube to ensure that enough sa liva is collected.

If you’re having some trouble, look at pictures of lemons within the space as it’ll help stimulate saliva production. To make sure that your saliva sample is clear and free from food residue, refrain from eating or drinking – not even water – 30 minutes before landing .

4. Having your application settings checked

Once the spit tests have been done and dusted, and you’ve passed your saliva sample to the personnel, you’re just a few steps away from officially s etting foot in Japan. 

The next procedure is a short one – you ’ll be guided by a staff member to ensure that your location and notification settings for the MySOS app are switched on .

5. Waiting for the test results

After walking back and forth within the airport, all you’ve got to do now is wait for your test results in the waiting area. Remember the saliva sample tube that was labelled with a number? When the results are out, your assigned number will be displayed on numerous monitors in the area.

Head over to the counter – the staff will hand you a pink slip of paper if you’ve tested negative and are good to go . The whole process can take at least one to two hours, but that’s a rough estimate as waiting time varies depending on the crowd size.

6. Going through immigration and getting your zairyū card

We never thought this day would come after two years of border closures, but here we are, just one stamp on our passport away from the land of next-level convenience stores .

From here on out , it’s pretty much standard procedure. The custom official will scan your passport and look through the standard disembarkation card and customs form. 

If there are no problems, you’ll be issued your zairyū card (在留カード; residence card) , an identity card that’s issued to foreign residents who plan to live in Japan for more than three months. With that done, you are now well on your way. 

7. Factoring enough time for domestic transit

For travellers who are making a connecting flight in Japan, it’s imperative to factor in enough time to catch the domestic transfer. All international arrivals have to go through immigration procedures at the landing airport before you can pick up your luggage, get out of the international terminal, and commute to domestic terminals to catch your next flight. 

To play it safe, make sure there’s at least four to six hours between your flights. Alternatively, if you’ve missed your flight, rescheduling to the next available one is also an option.

8. Transportation

Under renewed border regulations, travellers who are fully vaccinated (three doses) or entering Japan from a designated country are allowed to use public transport within 24 hours to commute from the airport to their accommodation after the COVID-19 test has been t aken. 

That said , the government strongly urges all to take the shortest route possible and practice social distancing.

9. Wearing a mask

Even though mask mandates were never officially issued in Japan, you’d be hard-pressed to find a local who doesn’t have half their face covered. Wearing a mask is still a norm in the country , and with the number of COVID-19 cases rising recently, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Mask up, even if you’re in open spaces or outdoors.

10. Quarantine, if necessary

As determined by the Japanese government, citizens from countries that are deemed to have the Omicron variant under control can avoid self-quarantine. Depending on your vaccination status and departing country, the quarantine period can last from three to seven days . Arrival counts as day zero, which means quarantine will take place over the three subsequent days. 

Even if you’ve managed to escape being cooped up in a room, do your due diligence and avoid the 3Cs – closed spaces, crowded places, and close-contact settings – for your first few days in the country. 

On a side note, if you test positive at the airport, you will be asked to recuperate at a designated quarantine facility.

Guide to travelling to Japan in 2022

Judging by the trend so far, it looks like Japan is playing it safe and easing regulations in stages. Though self-guided tours are still banned for now, it is a positive sign that the country is gradually opening up to tourists and foreign arrivals.

This article will be updated periodically when there are new regulations , so keep your eyes peeled for the latest news on this space. 

For more travel tips, check out: 

• Strange laws in Japan
• Best art museums in Japan
• Guide to Japan shrines
• Travel tips for first-time travellers
• Ways to get around in Japan

This article was updated on 31st August 2022 by Xiu Ting Wong. Cover image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Volodymyr Hryshchenko , JC Gellidon , Kentaro Toma and Sho K

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Japan set to announce restart of visa-free tourist travel

Limit on daily arrivals to be scrapped as country seeks economic boost

TOKYO -- Japan will drop a ban on individual tourist visits and remove a cap on daily arrivals, Nikkei has learned, moving closer to pre-pandemic rules as the country looks to ride a global travel rebound.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to announce the changes in the coming days.

Japan to allow visa-free individual tourists from Oct. 11

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Japan plans to ease COVID-19 border controls in early September

The Associated Press

People wearing face masks are seen at an arrival lobby of Haneda airport in Tokyo on Aug. 23, 2022, amid the coronavirus pandemic. AP hide caption

People wearing face masks are seen at an arrival lobby of Haneda airport in Tokyo on Aug. 23, 2022, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

TOKYO — Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday announced plans to ease border controls from early September by eliminating requirements for pre-departure COVID-19 tests for travelers who have received at least three vaccine doses, and he will also consider increasing daily entry caps as soon as next month.

Japan, which has imposed some of the toughest border measures for the coronavirus, currently requires negative PCR test results within 72 hours of departure for all entrants, a practice that has been criticized as cumbersome.

Kishida, after holding virtual meetings with government ministers and medical advisors earlier Wednesday, told reporters in an online news conference that entrants who have received at least one booster vaccine can waive the pre-entry test beginning Sept. 7.

Japan eases foreign tourism ban and allows guided package tours

"We plan to gradually ease border controls to allow entry procedures to be as smooth as those of other Group of Seven countries," Kishida said from his official residence, where he has been on duty while isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

Kishida said his government also plans to increase the daily cap for incoming travelers, currently set at 20,000, "as soon as possible." Media reports say the government is considering more than doubling the daily cap to 50,000 as early as next month.

"Our fight against the virus is not easy, but we should not be too afraid and instead take into consideration the characteristics of the omicron variant," Kishida said. "We will speed up our responses while balancing the infection measures and social and economic activities as much as possible."

Kishida said Japan plans to shorten the self-isolation period for COVID-19 patients from the current 10 days for those with symptoms and one week for those without symptoms. Officials are finalizing those details, he said.

In June, Japan partially opened its borders to foreign tourists for the first time in two years but only allowing those who agree to join package tours with guides. The number of entrants has dwindled under those restrictions.

Business organizations in and outside Japan have called for the country to ease its border controls to support the economy, especially the tourism industry, which has been badly hurt by the pandemic. But many Japanese are wary of further easing border measures because the country has been struggling with a seventh wave of infections.

Clinics have been flooded with patients with mild symptoms such as fever, sore throat and coughs, amid a lack of testing and test kits at pharmacies and online.

• border controls

Japan to Restore Visa-Free Travel From Oct. 11 as Covid Pandemic Recedes 

• Prime Minister Kishida makes announcement in New York
• Domestic travel discounts will be introduced at the same time

A Japan Airlines employee adjusts a social distancing sign at Haneda Airport in Tokyo.

Japan will abolish a slew of Covid border controls from Oct. 11, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said in New York, in a move that looks set to revive the tourism industry.

Individual visitors will be allowed to enter, and Japan will reinstate visa waivers, Kishida said at a news conference Thursday morning in New York. The cap on daily arrivals in Japan will also be ended, he said. Later in the day, at the New York Stock Exchange, Kishida said Japan “will relax border control measures to be on par with the US,” spurring applause from the audience.

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It’s official: Japan is open to travel!

Japan is finally open to independent travellers – and has now lifted even more border restrictions

For two-and-a-half years, travel to Japan has been pretty tough. Few countries around the world have been so cautious about reopening their borders to tourism after the cataclysmic shutdowns of 2020. But we’re over the moon to announce that travel to Japan has now returned to something that looks a lot like the old normal. Here’s what you need to know.

What are the latest Japan travel restrictions?

Following Japan’s decision last month to drop pre-departure testing , the Japanese government is now allowing travellers to visit Japan without booking a guided tour or using a travel agency.  

In other words, a free-roaming backpacking trip around Japan is now on the cards! The country has also dropped its daily cap of 50,000 arrivals and its list of permitted countries, with visitors from all countries and regions now being accepted. Here’s a full list of all the countries and regions eligible for visa-free travel to Japan . 

Visa-free travel has also been reinstated for travellers from dozens of countries (see which ones here ), though there are still several border measures in place. If you’ve received three vaccine doses, you don’t need to take a pre-travel Covid test. However, if you’ve received any fewer jabs than three, you’ll need to show a negative test taken within 72 hours of departure for Japan. 

The Japanese government is now looking to capitalise on huge demand from travellers to visit without booking through an agency , especially as the weak yen means that travel to Japan is currently cheaper than it has been for many years. 

While Japan is keeping in place its quarantine system for arrivals from a list of at-risk countries, no countries are actually currently on that list. So, it seems the country is finally on the road to properly welcoming travellers again – and that’s something that we can all get very excited about.

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Get planning with our guide to Japan’s 15 best hotels .

Plus:   you’ll soon be able to spend six weeks in Thailand, visa-free .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Japan Travel, COVID-19, And You: Tourism Information & News Update Thread – September 2022

• September 1, 2022
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## September 2022 Japan Tourism Update

**[Japan will begin allowing tourists through pre-booked but *unguided* tours as early as September 7th, 2022.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/31/national/tourism-measures-kishida-covid/)** The unguided tours will still need to be arranged by a tour agency for tracking purposes. More information is expected before September 7th.

## September 2022 Subreddit Update

All posts and comments are currently set to be manually reviewed by the mod team before being released. If you are looking for August 2022 tourist updates, please see [last month’s megathread](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/wd8htm/japan_travel_covid19_and_you_tourism_information/).

##**Frequently Asked Questions on Tourism Entry – September 2022**

**What is the information on the unguided tours? How do I book one? What do they entail?**

>- **This information is very new, and no exact specifications have been made just yet. As information begins being made available, we will add it here. Please be patient with tour agencies if you are contacting them to inquire into this possibility. September 7th isn’t here quite yet, and the requirements for booking an unguided tour may not be sorted out within the next 12-24 hour period. [Here is the latest information.](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/01/national/package-tours-restrictions-eased/)**

**”What is this eVISA I’m hearing about? Does this mean the borders are reopening?”**

>- **The [eVISA](https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index?fs=e&s=cl) System announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan is intended to make it easier for folks in the USA and Canada who are going to be entering the country for approved reasons to complete the process online, without having to go to the embassy or the consulate in their area. Those who are staying in Japan for business, various exchanges, visiting relatives, or tourism for 90 days or less and are not engaged in remunerative activities qualify to use the online application system in the link above in order to file/obtain their documents. No official word has been given on whether or not this will extend to other types of visa entry in the future. Note, also, that you still need an ERFS Certificate to apply for an eVISA.**

**”Where do I book a tour package within current re-opening standards?”**

>- **Please check with the [Japan National Tourism Organization](https://www.jnto.go.jp/) to locate agencies in your area that may offer tours eligible for entry. Availability will differ from country to country, and even within the same city—there is also no guarantee that all tour agencies will have tours available at this time. [Japan-Guide.com](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2275.html) also has a listing of some of the online tour companies that are offering tour packages as well. We’ve also enlisted the assistance of one of our users, who works for a company currently booking package tours for entrants on vacation, to answer some questions that we are seeing from others in this sub. Please check out the Q & A [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/wd8htm/japan_travel_covid19_and_you_tourism_information/iigz5v4/) for more information. We’ve also had a [first-hand trip report](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/wn22v7/my_experience_as_a_postcovid_tourist/) posted from one of our users, /u/Captain_Trina, that provides more insight on the process and their feelings on the experience.**

**”Can we go exploring solo before, during, or after a pre-booked tour?”**

>- **Prior to September 7th, no. The very nature of these tours is to keep those on them within a travel bubble. You will be picked up from the airport as a group, taken to your hotels and dining locations as a group, and to the actual attractions as a group. You are then guided back to the airport at the end of the tour, and you must cross Immigration for your flight before your guides pick up the next group and move on. There is no ‘break-away time’, no ‘solo exploration’, no ‘stopping to visit other locations not on the plan’, nothing.**

>- **After September 7th, it will be up to the specific tour provider as to how they will conduct their tours and whether they will offer free time or free days.**

**”Should I buy tickets for tourism entry later in 2022?”**

>- **There is no indication on when the borders will fully reopen to individual tourism without approved travel agency bookings or ERFS Certificate/eVISA requirements. We advise to *avoid booking non-refundable tickets from any airline or third-party supplier* until the formal announcement has been made regarding the full opening of borders to tourism, or to make sure you are able to go through an approved agency for your travel.**

**”Why are tickets to Japan *so* expensive right now?”**

>- **[This article](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-06-06/sky-high-airfares-are-the-latest-headache-for-globetrotters) covers all the details, but the short form answers are: Smaller planes than usual are flying, so fewer seats are available, and the ones that are get quickly gobbled up by those who have been waiting for a few years to travel. Another wrinkle is there are less staff to operate the flights that are existing and thus less routes are flying, as well as the larger planes still being parked as they are not seen as being cost-effective to load. Finally, fuel prices have taken a major jump and that surcharge is being passed down to ticket holders. This all adds up to higher priced tickets for everyone flying anywhere, and Japan specifically as the push to increase tourism from a few years ago meant cheaper flights to get more folks in seats. It’s safe to expect this to continue for awhile yet, as Japan slowly reopens.**

**”What if the borders don’t open in time for my previously booked flight?”**

>- **If you have already booked a flight and won’t be able to find an unguided tour option for entry after September 7th, we advise you to carefully look over the refund/rebooking policy with the airline you purchased your tickets with. If you have booked tickets that are non-refundable or cannot be moved, please contact your airline for further questions or concerns.**

**”What are the current quarantine and vaccination requirements for entry to Japan?”**

>- [**Entrants will be subject to a grouping system that will determine entry measures.**](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14623293) **Approved vaccines are currently listed as Moderna, Pfizer, Astra-Zeneca, J&J, COVAXIN, and Novavax, however there is no word yet on any other vaccine types being accepted by the government for entry, tourism or otherwise. Please check the** [**official MOFA website**](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page24e_000317.html) **for more information on dosage requirements and further information on the grouping system for entry.**

**”What are the current COVID testing requirements for entry to Japan?”**

>- [**After September 7th, vaccinated and boosted travelers will no longer require PCR tests to enter Japan.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/08/24/national/pre-departure-test-kishida/)

##**Frequently Asked Questions on Non-Tourism Entry – September 2022**

**”I am arriving in Japan for a stopover/layover while on the way to another country, what do I do?”**

>- **No entry to Japan is permitted on stopovers, overnights, or for transit between airports, and at this time, there is no indication whether this restriction will be lifted any time soon.**

>- ***Haneda Airport* allows overnight stopovers, but you will likely need to stay at your gate as there is no airside hotel open, and few shops and services are available.**

>- ***Narita Airport* will NOT allow overnight stays at all, and you will need to change your ticket if your flight involves an “overnight” stop, as you cannot stay in the airport after it closes. Further questions or concerns should be directed to your airline only.**

>- **Please search on /r/flights or post there for flight-specific and airport-specific questions.**

**Do I need a PCR Test to enter Japan if I am NOT leaving the airport?**

>- **No. After September 7th, a PCR test will only be required if you are entering the country on a visa AND you are unvaccinated/not boosted. If you have further questions, please speak to your airline, or review their entry requirements for your trip.**

**”I need more information on [special entry as a partner, family member, or Spouse](https://www.mofa.go.jp/ca/fna/page22e_000921.html), where should I post?”**

>- **Contact the [Embassy of Japan](https://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/mofaserv.html) in your country to find out more on the requirements for entry and to learn if your situation qualifies.**

**”I need more information on the border opening as a New Entrant for work or school, where should I post?”**

>- **Please go to /r/movingtojapan for information and updates.**

##**Daily Cases, Deaths & Vaccinations – Updated: 08/31**

>- **Confirmed Total Cases:** [**18,967,755 (+169,800)**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/)

>- **Confirmed Deaths:** [**39,955 (+338)**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/tags/82/)

>- **1st dose:** [**104,102,194 – 82.2%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)

>- **2nd dose:** [**102,713,785 – 81.1%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)

>- **3rd dose:** [**81,484,404 – 64.3%**](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/coronavirus/vaccine/)

##**Monthly News Updates – September 2022**

**09/01 -** [**From the Japan Times, Japan clarifies new border rules as it moves to allow most individual tourists to enter.**](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/09/01/national/package-tours-restrictions-eased/) “Foreign tourists who aren’t traveling as part of group tours will soon be able to come to Japan under eased tourism restrictions — as long as they book flights and accommodation through a travel agency, a government official in charge said Thursday. ‘The key is to have a sponsor in Japan, like a travel agency, and that they know the whereabouts of the traveler on a given day,’ the official said, who asked not to be named in line with ministry guidelines. ‘They will also offer information on Japan’s social distancing rules and be the contact person if travelers get sick.’ Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday that nonescorted visitors on package tours will be allowed in from Sept. 7. That would include more flexible tours that only include flights and hotels and can be booked by individuals, the official said, in contrast with the strict group tours that have been permitted since June.”

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Japan clarifies new border rules as it moves to allow most individual tourists to enter

Foreign tourists who aren't traveling as part of group tours will soon be able to come to Japan under eased tourism restrictions — as long as they book flights and accommodation through a travel agency, a government official in charge said Thursday.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday that nonescorted visitors on package tours will be allowed in from Sept. 7. That would include more flexible tours that only include flights and hotels and can be booked by individuals, the official said, in contrast with the strict group tours that have been permitted since June.

With the eased restrictions, the only tourists who won't be allowed will be those who want to stay in accommodations not offered by travel agencies in their “package tours,” such as private rentals and smaller inns, as well as backpackers who don’t want to book hotels beforehand.

“The revision caters to customers’ needs for greater freedom in travel,” the official said. “We hope more foreign tourists will come to Japan.”

But with travelers still needing to apply for a visa, and the daily arrival cap to be set at 50,000, it is unclear how many foreign tourists will be willing to come to the country.

Japan has been allowing in foreign tourists since June, but only on guided tours. Currently, foreign tourists need to reserve a guided tour and then apply for a visa — a time-consuming process that discourages potential visitors.

The daily arrival cap will soon be set at 50,000, up from the current 20,000. The cap is set at 50,000 to ensure airport staff are able to handle the more complicated immigration process that's in place due to the coronavirus, the official said. The cap will also allow the government to respond quickly should a new variant of concern emerge, the official added.

In July, the most recent month for which data is available, a daily average of 14,345 people arrived in Japan, including Japanese and foreign residents, according to the Immigration Services Agency.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

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• Japan to Ease Travel Restrictions for Foreign Tourists in September - Border Opening

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• Evisa.Express

All travelers are eagerly awaiting a day once Japan finally opens its borders to tourists . The country's authorities have been keeping travel restrictions in place since 2020. 

Only recently, particular travelers have been permitted to visit Japan. However, they must still meet specific entry requirements to gain access to the country. 

Now, the Japanese Government announced loosening restrictions in September 2022 and allowing non-guided tour groups .

Last week, the country also opened the   eVisa application for citizens of the US and Canada. 

Current rules for entering Japan

Currently, the stage of Japanese reopening can be described as a testing period. In April, Japan first reopened its borders to particular overseas residents, international students, and business travelers who a school or company must have sponsored. 

The next stage was to allow limited numbers of foreign tourists, which are still permitted to enter only in a package tour following pre-departure testing requirements .

At the moment, all travelers to Japan need to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure time.

Depending on the departure country, some travelers may also be subject to quarantine restrictions. The Japanese authorities divided worldwide countries into color categories, i.e., 'red,' 'yellow,' and 'blue.' A traveler who has received three coronavirus jabs and is coming from a country classified as 'red' or 'yellow' will need to undergo a 3-day quarantine. Arrivals from 'blue' countries are exempt from on-arrival quarantine. 

Changes in Japan's travel rules from September 2022

From September 7, 2022, the country plans to drop pre-departure testing requirements for fully vaccinated travelers (including one booster dose). 

The country is also about to increase the daily cap of tourists allowed to enter Japan from 20,000 to 50,000. 

Nevertheless, despite loosening restrictions in September, travelers will still need to sign a form promising they will comply with local coronavirus protocol. They will also need to complete an online questionnaire, take a PCR test on arrival and download a health monitoring app. 

Opening the Japanese borders to individual travelers 

For the time being, visiting Japan is possible only as part of a group tour. Individual travelers are temporarily not permitted to enter Japan. Nevertheless, the Japanese Government announced that non-guided package tours will be allowed from September 7, 2022. The country, however, has not yet specified the details. 

Please note that the entry regulations are constantly changing , and allowing individual travelers to Japan is just a matter of time.   

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The Latest Japan Travel News, Tips and Highlights For Your 2022 List

To help restart your Japan travel planning, here’s a roundup of some of Japan’s latest hotels, cultural experiences, foodie news, and the latest in art, fashion and fun.

From the return of the Setouchi Triennale and Danish-Japanese inspired luxury campgrounds, to crab and sake paired dining experiences and heart-stopping new rides at Universal Studios Japan, start to imagine what your next trip to The Land of The Rising Sun might look like.

The hottest new hotels

A bar-themed hotel in hakone, to a luxury campground in mie prefecture.

A spa resort designed by revered architect, Kengo Kuma, is opening in the Niigata mountains this April. ‘Field Suite Spa Headquarters’ will be a luxury spa resort where guests can escape to nature for breathtaking mountain views and rejuvenating soaks in the open air onsen. Those planning a trip can either stay in one of three villas, or the ‘jyubako’ – a small but beautifully designed mobile hut. https://www.snowpeak.co.jp/fieldsuitespa/hq/

The lines blur at barhotel Hakone, Kanagawa prefecture. Is it a bar-themed hotel or a hotel-themed bar? Either way, with 108 cocktails on the menu and a private spa equipped with a minibar, glassware and Champagne on ice, guests are guaranteed a unique stay. https://www.barhotel.com/

Amongst Mie prefecture’s towering trees and roaring waterfalls, Nordisk Hygge Circles is a new luxury campground designed by Danish architects Nordisk. The site consists of zones including the ‘rest’ area with reservable circular cabins and glamping tents, a ‘learning field’ for nature-inspired excursions and workshops, and an area where guests can pitch their own tents. Everything is constructed in circular shapes, a reference to both early Danish and Japanese civilizations who would gather in circles, sharing food, water and fire. https://nordisk.eu/inspiration-to-great-outdoor-experiences/nordisk-hygge-circles-ugakei

In a prime location on the grounds of Nara Park, the elegant FUFU Nara is ideal for exploring Japan's former capital city. With a stunning contemporary design and decor that stretches deep into local history, this small luxury hotel strikes a pleasing balance between tradition and modernity for an only-in-Nara experience. While you’re in the area, for critically acclaimed seasonal Japanese cuisine served in a rustic setting, be sure to check out nearby Onjaku. The kaiseki menu has earned the restaurant two Michelin stars. https://www.fufunara.jp/en/

Unique cultural experiences

Sake and crab pairing in ishikawa, a kyoto temple opens its doors to visitors.

Sake master Naohiko Noguchi, head brewer of the famed Noguchi Naohiko Sake Institute, has collaborated with head chef Shiro Yamazaki of restaurant Yamazaki for a crab-and-sake-centric dining experience. Freshly caught crab is paired with some of the country’s best sake, all set in the brewery’s architecturally stunning surrounds, backdropped by the mountains of Komatsu on the western coast of Ishikawa. https://www.ishikawatravel.jp/en/spots/noguchi-naohiko-sake-institute/

Kyoto's Koho-an Temple will be open to the public for the first time in seven years. A sub-temple of the vast Rinzai Buddhist Daitoku-ji Temple complex, Koho-an seldom allows tourists. Visitors will be able to get the rare chance to view the temple’s revered teahouse and gardens and an ink wash painting by Kano Tan’yu. The temple opens from 24 May until 12 June. https://www.japan.travel/en/spot/1156/

Mifuneyama Rakuen Park in Kyushu’s Takeo Onsen town is hosting art collective, teamLab’s, latest installation, ‘A Forest Where Gods Live’. The pieces of indoor and outdoor art combine Kyushu’s lush forest with teamLab’s signature lighting and projections. ‘A Forest Where Gods Live’ will be on from 15 July to 6 November. https://www.teamlab.art/e/mifuneyamarakuen/

Japan is famous for its traditional ancient hot springs and saunas, but the country also isn't afraid to break the mould. The local authorities in Himeji, Hyogo prefecture, have converted a retired public bus into a bookable mobile sauna. Original bus details have been retained in the redesign, including hanging handrail rings and bench seats. The stop buttons, normally used to request a stop off, will now spray water when pressed to generate steam in the sauna room. https://sabus.jp/

Dining and bar news

Michelin stars shine bright in tokyo.

Michelin Guide Tokyo 2022 has been released, with 432 restaurants in the metropolis making the list. 12 were awarded three stars, 41 with two stars, 150 one-star restaurants and 229 ‘Bib Gourmand’ restaurants were crowned. Tokyo has maintained its world-class gastronomic reputation, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. Meanwhile the Michelin Guide Kyoto Osaka 2022 has also recently dropped, with Osaka's Numata being crowned two-stars. The local institution specialises in tempura including the legendary tamagokake-gohan featuring egg yolk tempura, meringue, and a tempura prawn https://guide.michelin.com/jp/en

Starbucks has released a Japan-exclusive cherry blossom collection for 2022. This year’s pink beverages include a Sakura Strawberry Shiratama Frappuccino and a Sakura Blooming Milk Latte. Meanwhile Swiss chocolate company Lindt has released new Sakura & Cream Lindor chocolate balls exclusively for sale in Japan. The chocolate ball is filled with a pastel pink cream that tastes of sweet cherries https://www.lindt.jp/f/onlineshop

Art, attractions and retail therapy

Muji opens largest store, setouchi triennale dates announced, japan’s beautiful manhole covers on t-shirts.

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka is adding more heart-pumping action, unveiling new rides based on iconic Japanese anime, manga, and video games including Monster Hunter, Detective Conan, Attack on Titan, Sailor Moon and Hunter Hunter. These ‘ultra-real’ experiences will open to guests from 4 March to 28 August.  https://www.usj.co.jp/web/en/us

The largest Muji store in the world is opening in Hiroshima. Occupying a whopping 6,100sqm over two floors, you can expect over 7,500 kinds of items, including the brand's signature minimalist homeware, creamy white furnishings, stylishly simple kitchenware, classic casual clothing, its own no-brand branded food, and snacks; not to mention all that stationery. https://www.muji.com/jp/ja/shop/detail/045653

The Setouchi Triennale art festival is confirmed to go ahead in 2022 and will run over six months. Split over three ‘seasons’ from 14 April to 18 May, 5 August to 4 September and 29 September to 6 November, the Triennale includes the islands’ permanent site-specific art installations as well as exhibitions that will only be displayed for a single season. https://setouchi-artfest.jp/en/

For more information, please contact: James Cooley |  [email protected]  | +61 401 316 701

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Silver Week: Japanese Public Holidays in September

Silver Week is a week in September containing consecutive public holidays. If you travel in Japan during this time, some stores may be closed and public transportation may be crowded, so take a look at these travel tips for ideal destinations.

Sawada Tomomi

Silver Week in Japan: Enjoy Early Fall Holidays!

Silver Week is a string of consecutive holidays that often fall in September , depending on the year’s alignment of national holidays. During Silver Week, public transportation is often very crowded, which can have an effect on your trip.

Japan's Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2024

Public holidays in september.

The Harvest Moon and the silvery susuki pampas grass are some of the seasonal highlights in September In 2022, Silver week involves two 3-day weekends . The first starts officially on Saturday, September 17, and continues through Monday, September 19 . The second begins on Friday, September 23, and continues through Sunday, September 25 .

There are three normal weekdays between the 3-day weekends in 2022, and for those who can take these days off too, it will be possible to have as many as 9 consecutive days off this year!

Silver Week doesn’t happen every year. There are two national holidays in September that must line up correctly to result in Silver Week. Those two national holidays are Respect For The Aged Day , which happens on the third Monday of the month, and Autumnal Equinox Day (*1), which, in 2022, occurs on September 23.

Since normal weekdays sandwiched between national holidays become public holidays as well, a weekday that falls between Respect For The Aged Day and Autumnal Equinox Day becomes a holiday. For example, if Respect For The Aged Day is on a Monday, and Autumnal Equinox Day is on a Wednesday, the Tuesday in-between becomes a holiday. This can result in a five-day holiday Silver Week, including Saturday and Sunday!

*1: The date of Autumnal Equinox Day, when the daytime and nighttime are equal in length, is decided by the National Astronomical Observatory. It is a day to celebrate the fall harvest, and also serves as a day to venerate ancestors.

Important Points About Silver Week

Silver Week is thought of as a time for those who live in Japan to go back to their hometowns or go traveling. Roads, trains, airports, and sightseeing areas will be unusually busy, so you’ll need to plan carefully when making your itinerary. In 2022, travel may be lighter as a measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infections. If you do plan on taking a trip, be sure to exercise social distancing and follow local guidelines.

No matter what form of transportation you use during Silver Week, you’re bound to encounter crowds. If you get trapped in a traffic jam while taking a car or bus, you run the risk of losing a day of travel time. It’s more likely that you will be able to stick to your schedule by taking trains, but you may have difficulty finding a seat.

If you want to save time and avoid the Silver Week crush, pay for a reserved seat or go by plane. Having said that, it’s a popular time for travel, which means that prices will be inflated, so make reservations early.

Since many people will be leaving Tokyo for their hometowns, metropolitan routes headed for the countryside will be crowded for the first half of Silver Week, and countryside routes bound for cities will be crowded for the latter half. Be aware of this pattern and you might be able to avoid some traffic while traveling.

In addition, there is data stating that traffic on the final day of Silver Week and similar holidays is comparatively less congested. Perhaps there are a lot of people who want to relax on their last vacation day, or have to get ready for the following day of work.

The Best Destinations During Silver Week

1. the earliest autumn foliage in japan mt. daisetsu in hokkaido.

Picture courtesy of Sounkyo Tourism Association The end of September, during Silver Week, is a little early to see autumn foliage. However, you can enjoy the wonderful fall colors in the north, where temperatures drop quickly on higher ground.

Mt. Daisetsu is said to have the earliest autumn foliage in the country, and it can be enjoyed from mid-September until early October. Take the ropeway halfway up, and a seven-minute lift ride will get you to the top. If you’re confident in your stamina and physical fitness, you can also walk to the summit to enjoy the amazing view.

Daisetsuzan National Park

2. Enjoy the Season with Hot Springs! Shin-Hotaka in Gifu

The Shin-Hotaka Ropeway is famous as a place where visitors can look down at the autumn foliage that shrouds the overlapping mountains. We recommend taking a dip in the open-air bath at the waystation on the ropeway, so you can relax and gaze out at the mountains.

A round trip fare for the ropeway (2,900 yen), a ticket for food and drink (2,900 yen), and a pass to the open air bath (600 yen) can all be had in the “Refreshing Pack” for just 3900 yen, which is quite a bargain.

Shin-Hotaka Visitor Center

3. Attend one of Tokyo’s Three Great Festivals: Nezu Shrine Reitaisai

The Nezu Jinja Reitaisai (*2) is a historic festival at Nezu Shrine that sees normally 30,000 attendees a year. At the festival, you can see traditional shrine dances, as well as mikoshi (portable decorated shrines that are carried around). Street stalls line the festival’s spacious grounds, and you can really enjoy the bustling atmosphere around you.

4. Marvel at the Beautiful Natural Scenery of Hakone’s Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields

From A Great 2-Day Hakone Trip For Solo Travelers! Outdoors, Cuisine, And Art

Also known as silver grass, many visitors flock to Hakone to see the sight of vast fields of pampas grass, which can be enjoyed from late September to early November every year. The silver and gold fields of Sengokuhara are the perfect way to enjoy the atmosphere of fall.

Hakone is also home to many other fantastic sightseeing spots. These include beautiful Lake Ashi and its famous pirate ship cruise, the surreal art of the Hakone Open-Air Museum , and the ropeway to steaming volcanic Mount Owakudani .

If you’re very lucky and the weather is clear, you may also get the chance to enjoy Hakone’s iconic view of Mount Fuji!

5. See Breathtaking Golden Fields Against the Backdrop of Mount Fuji at Lake Yamanaka

Lake Yamanaka is one of the famed Fuji Five Lakes , where visitors can enjoy some of the most stunning views of Japan’s most iconic mountain.

Yamanakako Hanano Miyako Park , located on the west side of Lake Yamanaka, is famed for its stunning seasonal flowers, and every fall from late September onwards the park becomes a vast field of golden cosmos flowers! Referred to as “fall sakura” in Japanese, these flowers are a stunning sight which can only be enjoyed in this season.

From Mt. Fuji Area - 8 Fun Things To See And Do At Lake Yamanakako

To the east side of the lake lies the Lake Yamanaka Panoramic Deck , a point from which visitors can enjoy incredible views of the lake and Mount Fuji. In fall the fields in front of Mount Fuji become a vast sea of golden pampas grass.

Enjoy the Charm of Early Autumn during Silver Week!

The season around Silver Week offers wonderful weather and food, and it’s the perfect time for traveling. Take the unique travel situations of consecutive holiday periods into account when you plan your trip in order to make the best of your time in Japan.

Golden Week 2024 in Japan: Dates, Events, and Travel Tips

Autumn in Japan 2024: Travel and Weather for September-November

Main image from Pixta

旅行が趣味の22歳です。日本の魅力をお届けします。

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• Credit Cards
• Best Travel Credit Cards

15 Best Travel Credit Cards Of September 2024

Expert Reviewed

Updated: Aug 23, 2024, 9:17am

For anyone who travels enough to have a travel savings account, credit cards are a valuable resource toward booking and paying for your trip. The rewards can offset a huge portion of your out-of-pocket expenses, and the best travel credit cards often pay for themselves both in savings and avoided headaches.

Why you can trust Forbes Advisor

Our editors are committed to bringing you unbiased ratings and information. Our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and companies, so all are measured equally. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and the credit card methodology for the ratings below.

• 113 countries visited
• 5,500 hotel nights spent
• 93,000,000 miles and points redeemed
• 29 loyalty programs covered

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best Travel Credit Card for Beginners
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best Everyday Earnings with Travel Redemptions
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best Flat-Rate Rewards Credit Card for Travel
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best Travel Earnings Without a Portal
• American Express® Green Card * : Best Midrange Travel Card with Lounge Access
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best Premium Travel Rewards Card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best Travel Credit Card for International Travel
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best Travel Rewards Card for Lounge Access
• American Express® Gold Card : Best Travel Rewards Earnings for Foodies
• U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card * : Best Premium Perks with Simple Redemptions
• Chase Freedom Flex® : Best Intro APR Travel Card
• Bilt World Elite Mastercard® * : Best Flexible Rewards Without an Annual Fee
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card : Best Low Annual Fee Card with Flat-Rate Rewards
• United Quest℠ Card : Best Airline Credit Card
• The World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best Hotel Credit Card
• Best Credit Cards Of 2024
• Credit Cards With Travel Insurance
• Best Hotel Credit Cards
• Best Credit Card For Lounge Access
• Best No-Annual-Fee Cards For Travel
• Best Airline Credit Cards

Best Travel Card Offers

Best travel credit card for beginners, chase sapphire preferred® card.

Up to 5x Reward Rate

Earn 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all Read More

Welcome Bonus

60,000 bonus points

Regular APR

21.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Score

Excellent, Good (700 - 749)

I jumped at the chance to get the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card when it was first launched. More than a decade later, I’m still a loyal cardholder. It’s the ideal starter card for someone dipping their toe into travel rewards and I’m living proof you may never need to upgrade. Cardholders earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for access to transfer partners or for easy, no-strings-attached redemptions through Chase Travel℠. There’s no foreign transaction fee and a wide selection of travel insurances.

Why We Like It

For a modest annual fee of $95 (which can be partially offset with an annual $50 hotel credit for bookings through Chase Travel℠) you get a rare mix of high rewards rates and redemption flexibility.

What We Don’t Like

The highest earning rate requires making reservations through Chase Travel℠, which doesn’t include direct bookings or online travel agencies.

Who It’s Best For

This card is best for travelers who want to earn transferable points without a steep annual fee.

I​​t’s the granddaddy of travel credit cards, but it still earns its reputation as one of the best around with solid bonus categories, strong travel protections, a great set of domestic and international transfer partners and a reasonable annual fee to boot. You can’t go wrong with it as your first travel credit card.

• Earn high rewards on several areas of spending
• Transfer points to travel partners at 1:1 rate
• Many travel and shopping protections
• No intro APR offer
• Best travel earning rates are only for bookings through the Chase Travel℠ portal
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Best Everyday Earnings with Travel Redemptions

Citi strata premier℠ card.

Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn 10 points per dollar spent on hotels, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com, 3 points per dollar at Read More

70,000 bonus points

21.24% - 29.24% (Variable)

Excellent, Good

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card slides right into everyday life, with earning categories that reflect typical expenses at home as well as rewarding you for your travel spending—then giving you the opportunity to redeem toward travel.

This card could be a supreme fit for someone looking for a one-card solution, thanks to a low annual fee, access to transferable points and a variety of accelerated earn categories. It also offers a $100 annual hotel benefit which can be applied toward eligible stays reserved through Citi Travel to save you even more money. Select travel protections are also included.

Citi makes you jump through some hoops to access card benefits. You’ll need to book through the card’s proprietary booking portal to maximize your travel earnings and to use your annual hotel benefit.

The Strata Premier makes the most sense for travelers seeking a modest annual fee and a card that rewards varied spend.

Several key travel benefits were recently reintroduced on the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, including trip delay and cancellation protections and lost baggage and rental car damage coverage. But the card still retains all its original features and its relatively low $95 annual fee. The highlight of the Citi Strata Premier continues to be its ability to earn 3 points for every dollar you spend on gas, and now EV charging. Those points can be transferred to any of Citi’s over 15 airline and hotel partners, making your rewards potentially even more valuable than if you just earned straight cash back with another credit card

• High rewards rates for many popular categories
• Ability to transfer points to hotel and airline loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Some built-in travel protections
• The $100 hotel benefit is difficult to redeem
• The highest earning rates are on Citi Travel bookings
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 70,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $700 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3 points per $1 on Air Travel and Other Hotel Purchases, at Restaurants, Supermarkets, Gas and EV Charging Stations.
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases

Best Flat-Rate Rewards Credit Card for Travel

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn 5X miles on Capital Read More

Earn 75,000 bonus miles + $250 credit

19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Casual travelers who don’t plan to carry a balance will find good value in the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card ’s earnings rates ( rates & fees ). And if you appreciate the skip-the-line perks of TSA PreCheck® and Global Entry as much as I do, you’ll be grateful for the up to $100 credit toward program fees.

You can earn double miles on every purchase and can access transfer partners without ponying up a triple-digit annual fee.

Expect dialed-back benefits compared to more premium travel cards. You’ll still enjoy select trip protections along with no foreign transaction fee. Keep in mind that you’ll want to redeem for travel bookings or transfers to partner programs (cash back redemptions are often not the best value).

This card is ideal for cardholders who want to earn travel rewards at a flat rate and want to keep their annual fee below $100.

The Capital One Venture Rewards card is extremely low maintenance as far as travel reward cards go. It provides consistent value and flexibility when it comes to earning and redeeming points for travel and is an excellent alternative for anyone a bit leery of the high Venture X annual fee ( rates & fees ).

• Solid rewards rate
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® statement credit (up to $100)
• Miles are easy to redeem either via partner transfers or by applying against travel purchases
• No introductory APR on purchases or transfers
• Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening – that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

Best Travel Earnings Without a Portal

Wells fargo autograph journey℠ card.

Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points Read More

21.24%, 26.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR

We love that the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card bestows you with strong earning rates on travel without requiring you to book through a card’s portal. Go ahead and book directly with your preferred airline and hotel: You’ll earn 5 points per dollar on hotels, 4 points per dollar on airlines, 3 points per dollar on other travel and restaurants and 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

This card has a minimal annual fee and offers the opportunity to earn a $50 statement credit each year when you spend $50 or more on airline purchases. That’s a bargain all travelers will love.

For now, there’s a limited number of transfer partners, which means you’ll have fewer redemption options than what some other issuers provide.

This card is a perfect fit for travelers who like to book trips directly, especially if they’re looking for cash-back rewards rather than travel transfers.

Wells Fargo has entered the premium card market with its highly anticipated Autograph Journey credit card which offers accelerated points earnings on airfare, hotels and restaurants. It’s also the newest card to offer the option to redeem points by transferring them to travel partners.

• Solid welcome bonus
• High rewards rates on travel and restaurants
• Annual statement credit for airfare
• Limited everyday bonus rewards
• Few transfer partners
• Charges an annual fee
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s $600 toward your next trip.
• Earn unlimited 5X points on hotels, 4X points on airlines, 3X points on other travel and restaurants, and 1X points on other purchases.
• $95 annual fee.
• Book your travel with the Autograph Journey Card and enjoy Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Baggage Reimbursement, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection and Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver.
• Earn a $50 annual statement credit with $50 minimum airline purchase.
• Up to $1,000 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Best Midrange Travel Card with Lounge Access

American express® green card *.

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, transit and restaurant purchases including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn Read More

Earn 40,000 points

See Pay Over Time APR

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

When you don’t want to limit your earnings only to travel charges, check out the American Express® Green Card * . It offers elevated rewards on dining and local transit, too.

Cardholders have access to annual statement credits for CLEAR® Plus and LoungeBuddy charges, which can easily exceed the cost of the card’s annual fee and let you dip your toe into the world of premium perks.

Amex isn’t always accepted overseas, which could be a major issue for international travelers without a backup card.

This is a great midrange card that offers access to American Express Membership Rewards®, making it a good choice for those who don’t want the high cost of a Gold or Platinum card.

Occasional travelers who want to be treated like VIPs will find that the Amex Green card has an ideal set of perks. The $100 annual LoungeBuddy credit is just enough to cover airport lounge access a few times a year, and the CLEAR credit provides expedited access through TSA security at major airports across the country. Put them together and it’s a perfect balance of benefits for infrequent flyers at a relatively low annual fee.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Flexible redemption and points transfer options
• High rewards rate on dining, travel and transit
• Mediocre base rewards rate
• Limited features and perks
• No balance transfer option
• Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 6 months
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel, transit purchases and eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
• Earn 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
• $199 CLEAR® Plus and $100 LoungeBuddy credits
• Trip delay insurance

Best Premium Travel Cards

Best premium travel rewards card, capital one venture x rewards credit card.

Earn 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 Read More

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

Excellent (750 - 850)

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is packed with extras that put it firmly in competition with other upscale credit cards. Just as important, the easy earnings structure is ideal for anyone who doesn’t want to stress over details.

Its annual fee ( rates & fees ) is easily recouped through an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles after your anniversary, which makes the perks feel almost free. A Priority Pass membership also provides value, giving you access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide.

The flat-rate earnings mean that if you spend a lot in a single category, you might be better off with a different card.

The Venture X is a strong choice for travelers who want premium benefits and are willing to book through Capital One Travel at least once a year.

If you’re looking for lofty perks without a lofty annual fee ( rates & fees ), the Venture X fits the bill. While other cards with elite benefits run nearly $700 a year, you’ll only pay a little more than half that for the Venture X. And you’ll still get Capital One and Priority Pass airport lounge access for you and your guests, an annual travel credit and solid earnings on everyday purchases.

• Annual fee lower than others in its category
• Annual travel credit through Capital One Travel and anniversary miles alone could justify the annual fee
• Miles are easy to earn and easy to use
• Lack of domestic airline and upscale hotel travel partners
• Capital One lounge network in its infancy
• Lack of hotel status benefits
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection

Best Travel Credit Card for International Travel

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Up to 10x Reward Rate

Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Read More

22.49%-29.49% Variable

If you spend frequently on travel and dining out, you can accumulate rewards with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . Its greatest selling point is its awesome list of 1:1 transfer partners. There are also best-in-market travel insurance benefits and no foreign transaction fees. Plus, as a Visa card, it’s widely accepted globally.

Cardholders can make up for a chunk of the annual fee with the $300 annual travel credit, a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership and up to a $100 credit every four years to cover your Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS application fee, all of which make far-flung travel easier to bear. The travel protection benefits have personally reimbursed me more than $1,000.

There’s an extra fee to add an authorized user to your account.

This card is readymade for frequent travelers who want to take advantage of built-in travel insurance protections and airport perks.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve card is one of the most valuable flexible rewards credit cards thanks to its lucrative bonus categories and easy-to-use travel credit. Cardholders can offset the annual fee and get great value when redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned on the card, thanks to partnerships with numerous airlines and hotels and its convenient travel booking portal, Chase Travel℠.

• $300 annual travel credit is incredibly flexible
• Generous welcome bonus
• Get 50% more value when you redeem points for travel through Chase
• Points transfer to valuable airline and hotel partners
• High annual fee
• High variable APR on purchases
• Excellent credit recommended
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®

Best Travel Rewards Card for Lounge Access

The platinum card® from american express.

5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly Read More

Earn 80,000 points

Good,Excellent (700 - 749)

The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees ) is destined for frequent travelers who intend to fully leverage the rich set of travel benefits. Trust me when I say the perks can make you feel like a VIP. The staggering annual fee for this classic status card won’t be worth it for everyone, but in the right hands the expense can be well justified.

Lounge access with this card extends beyond the Priority Pass membership you see on other premium cards. Plus, if you’re looking for a giant welcome bonus to get things started, the Platinum Card certainly shakes things up.

Many of the perks are very specifically applied and may require enrollment. Examples include statement credits toward Uber, Saks Fifth Avenue, select digital entertainment, select hotel stays and airline incidental fees.

The Platinum Card® from American Express could be a valuable pick for cardholders who are willing to track and maximize its long list of member benefits.

Being an Amex Platinum cardholder grants access to the International Airline Program, which can save you money on first and business class seats on more than 20 airlines as well as premium economy tickets for you and up to seven traveling companions. Start your search on the Amex Travel website to find international flights departing or arriving in the U.S. on any of those premium cabins.

• High reward potential on flights and hotels booked through American Express Travel
• Multiple credits can help justify the fee
• Comprehensive airport lounge access
• Luxury travel benefits and elite status with Hilton and Marriott with enrollment
• Very high annual fee
• Maximizing the statement credits takes some work and could be impractical for many
• Reward rate outside of travel is sub-par for a premium card
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Best Travel Rewards Earnings for Foodies

American express® gold card.

Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X; Earn Read More

Earn 60,000 points + earn up to $100 back

Foodies and travelers can leverage the American Express® Gold Card (terms apply, see rates & fees ) to the hilt, earning up to 4 points per dollar. The annual fee may seem intimidating—I get that. But my household comes out ahead by taking advantage of the card’s dining credits and rotating Amex Offers. It’s an appealing option for anyone who wants to redeem travel rewards but doesn’t spend enough on flights or hotels to require elevated earning categories on travel itself.

The grocery earnings on this card are impressive and rare for a travel card. For someone who wants to transform everyday expenses into a vacation, this card seamlessly blends the experience.

The American Express® Gold Card also offers a variety of ways to earn statement credits. This includes up to $120 ($10 per month) in annual dining credits for purchases at participating partners, up to $100 ($50 semi-annually) in annual statement credits for purchases at Resy restaurants and up to $84 ($7 per month) in statement credits for Dunkin purchases. Plus, cardholders get $10 in Uber Cash each month for a total of up to $120 per year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

While the Amex Gold’s credits can be valuable, you’re required to enroll to take advantage of them and credits are dished out monthly or semi-annually rather than in an annual lump sum.

The Amex Gold might be the consummate choice for travelers with high spending on food expenses.

This card makes it easy to earn Membership Rewards points while doing regular grocery shopping since the card earns bonus points at supermarkets. And for the nights that cardholders don’t want to cook, they can make use of the monthly dining and Uber credits (which can be used on Uber Eats orders).

• High rewards earnings possibilities
• Points transfer option to many partners
• Add up to five authorized users for no additional annual fee
• Can choose from regular, rose gold or white gold versions
• Most credits are doled out monthly and can be cumbersome to redeem
• Limited options to carry a balance
• High APR for pay over time feature *
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.
• Get the American Express® Gold Card in either the Gold, Rose Gold or Limited-Edition White Gold metal design. White Gold design is only available while supplies last.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $84 Dunkin’ Credit: With the $84 Dunkin’ Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Dunkin’ locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.

Best Premium Perks with Simple Redemptions

U.s. bank altitude® reserve visa infinite® card *.

Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center. Earn 3X points for Read More

50,000 points

22.24% - 29.24% variable

For a simpler take on travel rewards, the U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card * can be an excellent pick. It doesn’t have transferable rewards. Instead, you’ll get strong value by getting a 50% bonus when redeeming toward travel.

First of all, the earning potential on this card turns heads thanks to its multiplier on mobile payments which are accepted nearly everywhere these days. Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases. We also love that its annual $325 credit can be used toward your choice of travel or dining, giving it ultra flexibility.

Though this card comes with Priority Pass airport lounge access, it limits cardholders to a maximum of eight free visits per year. That might be enough for some travelers but could be a major downside for frequent travelers or someone flying with multiple companions or family members.

The Altitude Reserve is best for travelers who don’t want to be limited by travel portals or partnering airlines and hotels for their travel redemptions.

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card * is unique because it earns 3X on all mobile wallet spending, which no other ultra-premium cards offer, and has a low net annual fee after taking the $325 travel/dining credit into account. Given the net annual fee after the credit, the fact that the card lacks lounge access—even Priority Pass—is not that big of a deal. The question is, do you spend enough on mobile purchases to add a card specifically for that?

• 50% points bonus when redeeming for travel
• Up to $325 in annual travel credit
• No limits on points earnings
• No points transfer options available
• Free lounge access limited to eight visits per year
• Earn 50,000 points after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days of account opening
• Earn 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Altitude Rewards Center, 3 points per dollar on eligible travel purchases and mobile wallet spending and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible net purchases
• Earn up to $325 in annual credits
• Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards

Best Intro APR Travel Card

Chase freedom flex®.

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back in categories that rotate quarterly on up to $1,500 when enrolled, 5% on travel purchased through Read More

20.49%-29.24% Variable

I don’t automatically think of the Chase Freedom Flex® as a travel card, but it’s a great everyday card that also rewards you generously for bookings made through Chase Travel℠.

In addition to the welcome offer and ongoing rewards this card offers, new cardholders can also take advantage of an introductory APR offer to help pay off their travel expenses: 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% – 29.24% applies. Balance transfer fee of up to 5% (min. $5) of the amount of each transfer applies.

Rewards are initially made available as cash back. If you want to transfer your rewards to partner airlines and hotels, you’ll also need to hold an Ultimate Rewards® card that offers that feature.

The Freedom Flex requires a little more hands-on management to earn in its quarterly bonus categories, so it’s a better fit for someone willing to stay on top of details.

Kudos to Chase for always keeping the rotating categories relevant on the Freedom Flex. From Amazon to PayPal and Starbucks to Walmart, you’re almost guaranteed to find at least one quarter every year (or even several) where the 5 bonus points roll in with almost no effort. Just don’t forget to activate the categories every quarter.

• No annual fee
• Rotating quarterly categories earn 5% rewards when activated, up to a combined quarterly $1,500 maximum
• Travel rewards rate rivals some of the best premium travel cards
• Generous rewards rate in several other categories
• Travel bookings must be made through Chase Travel℠ to earn 5% cash back
• Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
• 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49%-29.24%.
• No annual fee – You won’t have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health – Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.

Best Flexible Rewards Without an Annual Fee

Bilt world elite mastercard® *.

Up to 3x Reward Rate

Earn 1x on rent payments with no transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year). 2x points on Read More

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

You don’t need to pony up an annual fee for the Bilt World Elite Mastercard® * (), which earns flexible points that you can transfer to a selection of beloved travel brands.

Bilt offers one of the most distinctive earning structures of all cards: 1 point per dollar on rent payments without the transaction fee (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year), 3 points per dollar on dining, 2 points per dollar on travel (when booked through the Bilt Travel Portal or directly with an airline, hotel, car rental or cruise company), and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. It also throws in some great travel benefits for a no-annual-fee card, including select trip protections, primary collision damage waiver on eligible car rentals and no foreign transaction fees.

This is the only credit card on our list that doesn’t include a welcome offer. Renters could make up for that opportunity cost quickly by earning points on their rent payments, but it’s an unmistakable disadvantage.

We recommend this card to someone paying rent and looking for a credit card with no annual fee.

It’s almost impossible to earn rewards on what is the biggest monthly expense for many people, which is why anyone who pays rent should have a Bilt Mastercard in their wallet. Not only will you earn points just from paying your rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year), you’ll do it without being charged a fee for the transaction, and Bilt points are among the most versatile travel points around. ( Pro Tip: Don’t redeem Bilt points to pay rent when you can get much more value for them for travel!).

• Earn rewards on rent
• Primary car rental and cellphone insurance
• Points can be transferred to partners
• Requires five card transactions per statement period to earn rewards
• No welcome bonus
• Rewards outside of rent spend are relatively low compared to other cards
• Earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent payments (on up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
• Earn 2 points on eligible travel
• Earn 3 points on dining and 1 point on other eligible purchases
• Cell phone protection
• No foreign fees

Best Low Annual Fee Card with Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every Read More

20,000 Miles

High spenders will do better with one of Capital One’s other travel cards, but if you specifically are seeking out a no annual fee travel card, consider the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card ( rates & fees ).

This card incorporates positive facets from its Venture line, including a flat-rate earning structure, transferable rewards and no foreign transaction fees. New cardholders are also eligible for an introductory APR offer: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; 3% balance transfer fee for the first 15 months, 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you.

The earnings rate isn’t particularly inspiring—unless you consistently maximize travel transfer redemptions, you’re likely better off with a 2% cash back card with no annual fee or an annual fee-carrying travel rewards card with 2X earnings.

The VentureOne can be a good way to get your foot in the door with Capital One, even if you ultimately decide to upgrade your card later.

A contender for the best no annual fee and starter travel card, the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card could be a fantastic travel companion for vacation goers and road warriors. The travel value can be immediately appreciated with no foreign transaction fees, while the rewards-earning is higher than basic rewards-earning credit cards at 1.25X miles. Plus, this card earns Capital One Reward Miles, which offers excellent value when transferred to airline and hotel

• No penalty APR
• Ongoing rewards rate is relatively low
• Locked in to Capital One Travel booking to earn the highest rewards
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you’ll get Capital One’s best prices on thousands of trip options
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% – 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies

Best Travel Cards for Airlines and Hotels

Best airline credit card, united quest℠ card.

3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases. 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, select streaming services & all Read More

Earn 60,000 bonus miles

21.99% - 28.99% Variable

Frequent United Airlines customers will appreciate that the United Quest℠ Card comes with an annual up to $125 United credit, rewards on travel and dining and travel protections such as primary car rental coverage and trip cancellation insurance.

This card rewards your loyalty. You can earn up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits per year, starting after your first cardmember anniversary, for booking eligible award flights with your miles. You’ll also earn 25 Premier Qualifying Points for every $500 in net purchases (including purchases made by authorized users) up to a maximum of 6,000 PQPs, in a calendar year.

The annual fee on the United Quest is more than double the average airline card.

This card will likely appeal to United flyers who want above-average benefits but aren’t interested in committing to an ultra-premium card.

Don’t let the card’s annual fee scare you off. Even if you’re not a frequent flyer, the perks can make this card worth your while, and the rewards rates are better compared to most airline cards.

• Up to $125 annual United purchase credit
• Earn up to two 5,000-mile award flight credits annually
• Two free checked bags for cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier Qualifying Points per calendar year
• Primary auto collision damage waiver for eligible rentals
• Checked baggage benefit only applies to one companion
• Earnings for general purchases are only 1 mile per dollar
• Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 PQP after qualifying purchases
• Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel, dining and select streaming services
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Free first and second checked bags – a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) – and priority boarding
• Up to a $125 United® purchase credit and up to 10,000 miles in award flight credits each year (terms apply)
• Earn up to 6,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)

Best Hotel Credit Card

The world of hyatt credit card.

Up to 9X Reward Rate

Earn up to 9 points total per $1 spent at Hyatt - 4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchases Read More

Up to 60,000 Bonus Points

21.49% - 28.49% variable

While Hyatt doesn’t have an extensive network of properties compared to other chains, the value offered by The World of Hyatt Credit Card is outstanding. If you’re a regular at Hyatt, a combination of high redemption values, sweet perks and one free night per year easily covers the annual fee and then some.

The card comes with five qualifying night credits, but cardholders can earn more through card spending to work their way up the elite ladder.

The automatic Discoverist elite status for cardholders is, frankly, uninspiring.

This card is designed for Hyatt enthusiasts looking to earn extra points and work toward status.

For many Hyatt loyalists, earning Globalist status each year is a priority and this card can help them get there faster by providing five elite night credits annually. Plus the complimentary yearly certificate for a category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel counts toward elite status too and can offset the card’s annual fee.

• Annual free night certificate on card member anniversary
• Complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status
• High redemption values for points
• Limited number of properties
• No worthwhile redemption options aside from Hyatt properties
• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships

Here's a Summary of the Best Travel Credit Cards

Best Travel Credit Cards Methodology

Forbes Advisor considered dozens of airline, hotel and flexible-rewards credit cards to create this list of the best travel credit cards. The primary factors taken into consideration for all types were:

• Estimated annual earnings—25% to 50% depending on card category
• Welcome bonus—15% to 25% depending on card category
• Travel benefits—15% to 25% depending on card category
• Annual fee—5% to 15% depending on card category
• Consumer benefits—0% to 10% depending on card category
• Foreign transaction fee—0% to 5% depending on card category

Hotel earnings rate was weighted 25% for hotel credit cards and airline earnings rate was weighted 15% for airline credit cards.

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

Each Forbes Advisor credit card list is reevaluated at least every 12 months to determine if any cards need to be added and/or removed. However, a list could be updated sooner if significant changes are made to the mentioned cards or if a new credit card is announced that’s likely to impact the category.

To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates credit cards .

Complete Guide to Travel Credit Cards

Best travel credit card deals right now, what is a travel credit card, how do travel credit cards work, types of travel credit cards, co-branded travel cards vs. general travel cards, pros and cons of travel credit cards, how many travel credit cards should i have, how to compare travel credit cards, evaluating airline credit cards, evaluating hotel credit cards, how to maximize credit card points for travel.

• Travel Rewards Cards in the News

Are Travel Credit Cards Worth It?

Frequently asked questions (faqs).

If you want to replenish your stash of points to work towards booking your next dream trip, you may want to know which travel credit cards have the highest-value welcome bonuses right now. Below are the airline, hotel and flexible rewards travel cards with the highest welcome offers. Keep in mind that annual fees and additional benefits will vary, often significantly, so weigh the pros and cons of a particular card beyond just the bonus before you apply.

Top Travel Credit Card Offers

A travel credit card is a card that earns rewards on travel. Rewards may be earned in the form of airline miles, hotel points or flexible points that can be transferred to partners or applied towards travel charges.

Many travel credit cards also come with additional benefits such as free checked bags, priority boarding, elite status, access to airport lounges and even discounts on hotels or rental cars. Some cards offer welcome bonuses when you meet an initial purchase threshold, which can provide a nice cache of points or miles to help you start redeeming for valuable rewards. The best travel cards also charge no foreign transaction fees, which means there is no extra charge from the credit card company to make purchases abroad.

Credit cards with travel benefits can be an awesome resource, but don’t get fooled into thinking you need them all. Focus on cards that provide a good balance of benefits and costs to fit your specific needs. Otherwise, you’re paying annual fees for no reason.

– Becky Pokora , Credit Card Rewards Expert

A travel rewards credit card accrues miles or points for each purchase made with the card. Every card has a different earning and redemption structure.

• A co-branded card , like one labeled with Marriott or Southwest, will earn rewards in the specifically named travel brand.
• General travel cards may instead earn flexible bank points, like those you see with Chase Ultimate Rewards® or American Express Membership Rewards® .

Here’s how credit card points and miles work:

• Earn rewards when you make purchases. Nearly all purchases on a card will earn rewards at the rate specified by the card. Rates may vary based on the type of purchase.
• Rewards are deposited into your account. Most cards update your rewards balance once per month, after your billing statement closes. On co-branded cards, travel rewards are typically deposited into your existing airline or hotel account automatically. On general travel cards, you’ll most likely have a bank of points where rewards pool.
• Consider your reward options. Airline and hotel point values often are variable, which means that the value of a point may fluctuate depending on the specific redemption. Before you make a redemption, ensure that you’re happy with the value of your specific reward.
• Make a redemption. Once you’ve chosen a redemption option, you’ll need to follow the specific direction to request your reward. Depending on the type of redemption, you might request this through your card issuer through their travel portal or your preferred travel partner.

There are many other intricacies to redeeming miles and points , so if you’re not confident on all your options, you’ll want to review the opportunities from your program before committing to a redemption.

Not all travel credit cards are alike. Here’s how the various types break down, so you can choose which type of rewards card is best for your unique circumstances.

Transferable Rewards Credit Cards

These types of credit cards earn rewards that can be transferred to other programs, like airline or hotel loyalty programs. Transferable rewards include Capital One Rewards , Bilt Rewards , Brex Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards® , American Express Membership Rewards , Wells Fargo Rewards and Citi ThankYou® Points .

Airline Credit Cards

Airline credit cards earn miles that can be used to redeem for future purchases with that airline. You can also use that airline’s miles to book flights on partners, which may yield more award opportunities. Some common airline credit card extras may include free checked baggage, priority boarding, a TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry application fee credit and airport lounge access. If you’re able to max out these extras, the perks can often be worth more than the annual fee.

Hotel Credit Cards

With hotel cards, you’ll earn rewards in the hotel’s currency, like Marriott Bonvoy points , Hilton Honors points or World of Hyatt points , which are redeemable towards any eligible hotel property under that brand’s umbrella. Some cards also confer automatic elite status upon ownership, which comes with benefits that can range from late check-out to free breakfast to room upgrades. Additionally, many cards also offer one night free annually every year you renew your card membership, as well as other perks such as airport lounge access.

Fixed-Value Credit Cards

Credit card points may often have a fixed-value when redeemed for things like cash back or travel, where the issuer publishes the cash value per point. For example, a card may offer a value of a penny per point when redeemed for any valid travel purchase. Fixed-value points currencies can also vary by redemption type. For example, points on a card might be worth 1.5 cents each when redeemed for travel rewards, but only be worth 1 cent each when redeemed for cash back.

Business Credit Cards for Travel

If you’re traveling for work and you want to keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses, a travel business credit card may be worth considering. Business credit cards for travel function the same as consumer credit cards for travel, although the business versions often offer different earning rates and perks, as well as a different annual fee structure.

To learn more about the best co-branded credit cards, see our guides below:

• Best American Airlines Credit Cards
• Best Delta Credit Cards
• Best Southwest Credit Cards
• Best United Credit Cards
• Best Hyatt Credit Cards
• Best Marriott Credit Cards

Ask an Expert

Is it better to choose a flexible travel rewards card or one branded to a specific airline or hotel?

Yanely Espinal

Credit Cards Expert

Clint Proctor

Credit Cards Lead Editor

Becky Pokora

Credit Cards Writer

If I had to choose, I’d say flexible travel rewards because it allows for much more versatility in your redemption options beyond just flights and hotel stays. But the best approach is to have both. You can maximize benefits from each card type by earning rewards across all of the spending you normally do, while getting perks with your favorite travel providers at the same time.

Since I’m not particularly loyal to any airline or hotel, I prefer the flexibility of general travel cards. I especially appreciate travel cards that offer transfers to travel partners. With flexible rewards, I can access 10 to 20 or more loyalty programs from a single card. This increases my chances of being able to take advantage of the best award deals that are available for my next trip.

I love that most co-branded travel cards include benefits when booking with that brand. Free night certificates on hotel cards and free checked bags with airlines are valuable perks. Plus, even though earning a single type of point might seem limited, big hotel chains have more than a dozen brand choices and airlines may have 10 or more alliance partners, so you’ll still find plenty of versatility.

What is the most underrated benefit of travel credit cards that is often overlooked?

Jerod Morales

Credit Cards Editor

Credit Cards And Loyalty Programs Expert

Some of the benefits of travel cards I rely on that don’t get much attention are the travel and purchase protections. I always make sure to book travel with a card that includes things like trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay protection and lost or delayed baggage benefits. It’s not always a substitute for separate travel insurance, but it can go a long way to getting compensation when travel goes awry.

I feel cellphone insurance is overlooked by some travelers and followed by travel insurance coverage. Many credit cards even cover the trip if you just pay taxes on a reward ticket.

Free nights, big bonuses and statement credits get all the attention but one perk that goes unnoticed is the option to add authorized users to your card account at a reduced cost (or even free). That extends benefits like airport lounge access to a household member, even if they’re not traveling with you.

The number of travel credit cards you should have depends on how often you travel, which benefits you value, your financial situation and whether you’re willing to spend time tracking multiple cards. Frequent travelers can find value in holding at least one travel card, but may consider holding several. For example, having both an airline card and a hotel card can provide complementary benefits and the ability to earn rewards for all aspects of your travel plans.

Personally, the vast majority of my spending is split between three credit cards in order to maximize earning rates, in different purchase categories. However, I also have three other travel cards that I primarily carry for the benefits—annual free hotel nights and extra award flight inventory make my travels more affordable.

– Becky Pokora , Credit Cards Writer

When comparing travel credit cards, items to consider include:

1. Annual fee

The annual fee on credit cards ranges from zero to several hundred dollars. In general, the more expensive the card, the richer the perks and rewards.

2. Foreign transaction fee

Foreign transaction fees can be an additional 2% to 3% surcharge when making transactions in other currencies, such as when you’re traveling abroad. The best no foreign transaction fee cards avoid this surcharge.

3. Sign-up bonus

One time offers to new cardholders can be extremely lucrative and an important factor in which cards appeal to you.

4. Rewards rate

Different cards have different earning rates, both in the amount you earn with every purchase and what form the rewards are provided in—points, miles or cash back.

5. International acceptance

When traveling outside of the United States, Visa and Mastercard tend to be more widely accepted than American Express or other cards. Because of this, international travelers may wish to pick their card type accordingly.

6. Travel protections

Included travel insurance could save you money compared to separately purchased policies, but won’t necessarily be comprehensive . If you travel often, it might be worth specifically seeking out the best credit cards with travel insurance .

Benefits might range from airport lounge access to statement credit reimbursements for certain purchases.

When choosing between two similar cards, it’s savvy to look for the less known credit card perks like luggage protection and travel delay insurance. These protections reimburse you up to a certain amount for lost or missing luggage and/or cover the cost of meals and lodging when your flight gets delayed more than a certain number of hours.

– Yanely Espinal , Credit Card Expert

Airline credit cards typically earn frequent flyer miles on every purchase. Co-branded airline cards also frequently come with perks while traveling, like free checked bags, enhanced award space or lounge access. They may also help you achieve elite status more easily.

When evaluating the best airline credit cards , think about:

• Earning rates. Many airline credit cards don’t offer elevated earnings on categories other than airline spending, so you’ll need to choose carefully if that’s important to you.
• Perks while flying. Typically, only cards with an annual fee include benefits while flying such as priority boarding or complimentary checked bags.
• Elite-qualifying bonuses. Some cards include bonus elite-qualifying miles when hitting spending thresholds, which can further enhance your flying experience.
• Companion fares. Some airline cards offer the opportunity to earn a companion certificate, which allows you to bring a second traveler on your trip for a reduced price.

Additionally, redeeming frequent flyer miles can be more complicated than requesting cash back or other types of rewards. Though using miles for award flights can lead to tremendous value, you’ll need to learn the ropes of the program.

Hotel credit cards earn points toward future free stays, but this is one case where the benefits can often outshine rewards. More often than not, hotel cards come with automatic elite status, as well as a fast track to even higher levels of status. Plus, annual free night certificates or statement credits add even more to their value proposition.

Many hotel loyalty programs offer multiple co-branded cards to choose from, making it even more important to compare the characteristics of an individual card. It’s not uncommon for a single hotel brand to offer a no-annual-fee card, a mid-tier card and a premium card—each with different earning rates and benefits.

When evaluating hotel credit cards, consider:

• Elite status offers. Generally speaking, cards with higher annual fees may automatically bump you to higher elite status levels, which can be invaluable for frequent stays.
• Free night certificates. Many, but not all, hotel cards offer free night certificates either upon renewal of your card or when hitting spending thresholds. Each certificate may come with restrictions on when or where you can redeem it, so compare fine print.
• Earning rates. Hotel cards may offer huge multipliers on bonus categories, allowing you to earn five to 10 times on certain purchases. However, keep expectations in check: Hotel points may not be worth a full penny per point.
• Statement credits. Some cards may include statement credits toward eligible purchases made at hotels and resorts or even on airline fees or restaurant purchases, which can be valuable, but you’ll need to actually use them.

The best way to make the most of your credit card is to use a card that aligns with your spending patterns.

• Choose a card that offers bonus points in spending categories meaningful to you
• Credit card pairings can maximize your earnings by pooling points from two or more cards that have different bonus categories
• Use your credit card instead of cash or debit when possible

Airline and Hotel Rewards Loyalty Programs

Understanding how to get the most out of the points and miles you earn from your travel credit card goes hand-in-hand with using the loyalty programs offered by most airlines and hotel brands. It’s free to join and you can belong to as many loyalty programs as you like. Typically, when you sign up for a co-branded credit card affiliated with a particular brand, you’ll automatically become a member of the loyalty program if you aren’t already.

Track Your Credit Card Points and Miles Earnings

Tracking your spending allows you to make sure that every time you make a purchase, you’re using the card that earns the most rewards. This means knowing which card to use in which scenario based on how a particular merchant codes the purchase .

For example, if you own two credit cards, one that earns high rewards on dining and one co-branded airline card, it might not make sense to use the airline card to pay your restaurant tab since the dining card likely earns more rewards. You can do this by various methods as complicated as creating a spreadsheet or as simple as putting stickers on each card to remind you when to use it.

How To Use Credit Card Points for Travel

Beyond earning rewards, there are strategies to get the most value when it comes time to redeem your rewards, too. When you’re ready to cash in your travel rewards, there’s generally two ways to do it.

You can plan the itinerary you want and use your rewards to fully or partially off-set the cost. Or, you can research to see where the rewards you have can be used to get the most bang for your buck. Now, American Express is making it easier for some cardmembers to redeem miles for flights due to a partnership with Point.me .

Find The Best Credit Cards For 2024

No single credit card is the best option for every family, every purchase or every budget. We've picked the best credit cards in a way designed to be the most helpful to the widest variety of readers.

Travel Rewards Cards In the News

• IHG One Rewards is presenting one of their best ever offers for new cardholders. This is your chance to earn free night certificates toward your next trip.
• Small businesses wishing to earn travel rewards should look into a limited time offer on the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card —you could earn an upgraded bonus of 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• You can extend the value of your travel rewards with these transfer bonuses in August 2024.

Best Small to Mid-Sized Travel Destinations for Redeeming Points/Miles, Ranked

It’s been a busy year for air travel, with a new high of 3,013,413 travelers screened by TSA checkpoints on July 7, 2024. Given unprecedented travel levels and rising costs, rewards are a valuable resource for covering the price of travel.

Forbes Advisor compared data on more than 20 metrics for 62 of the most-traveled small and mid-sized cities to reveal the best cities for redeeming points and miles. Of these, Tampa tops the list for being most accessible when paying with rewards, with two other Floridian cities rounding out the top three. Kona, Hawaii ranks at the bottom.

Top 5 Best Small to Mid-Sized Cities for Redeeming Points and Miles

1. tampa, fl.

Tampa’s score: 100 out of 100

When looking at nonstop route coverage and flight volume across five major U.S. airlines, Tampa ranks the highest, regardless of your preferred carrier. The city also ranked third-highest for hotel availability across the six major hotel groups ( Marriott, IHG, Hilton, Hyatt, Choice and Wyndam). It has over 263 hotels to choose from when redeeming points, ranging from luxe stays to more value-oriented options.

2. Orlando, FL

Orlando’s score: 99.4 out of 100

Catching a flight to Orlando should be easy even during peak travel periods as it ranks second-highest for flight availability in small and mid-sized cities. Redeeming points for a hotel stay is also simple, with 333 available hotels to choose from across six hotel groups. The combination of options on both flights and hotels puts it second on our list.

3. Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale’s score: 83.9 out of 100

Travelers will have no issue securing a flight to Fort Lauderdale as it ranked third-highest for flight availability. The city ranked seventh-highest for hotel availability and is covered by all six of the major hotel groups. It has 287 total hotels to choose from within those groups. As a bonus, the ease of redeeming points for a trip to Fort Lauderdale may make it a worthy alternative to trips to Miami, less than 30 miles away.

4. Raleigh-Durham, NC

Raleigh/Durham’s score: 74.0 out of 100

If you’re looking to book a trip outside of Florida using points and miles, your best bet is the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina. Travelers flying in will have multiple options for airfare, as it ranks sixth-highest for this category based on availability for flights from the six busiest airports nationwide by scheduled airline capacity as of May 2024 according to the most recent data from OAG Aviation Worldwide, a flight data analytics company. The city ranks 11th-highest for hotel availability with 170 hotels to choose from.

5. Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis’ score: 70.7 out of 100

Travelers looking to redeem their miles for a trip to Minneapolis will be happy to know that it ranked within the top 15 for the flight availability category. The city also tied for fifth place for hotel availability and is covered by all six of the largest hotel groups, with 237 total hotels that accept point redemptions.

Methodology

To uncover the small and mid-sized cities where it is easiest to redeem points and miles, Forbes Advisor looked at the 100 most traveled destinations nationwide (based on the number of domestic air passengers in 2023) and excluded the 25 largest cities and the principal cities of the 15 largest metropolitan areas. 

We analyzed the remaining 62 cities across 22 metrics spanning four categories and using the weights described below:

• Flight coverage 
• Flight availability
• Hotel coverage
• Hotel availability

For the flight-related metrics, data came from each airline's booking portal. This included United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways. We considered round-trip flights from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, using the country’s six busiest airports (by passenger boarding volume): ATL, DFW, DEN,  LAX, ORD and JFK. 

Data for hotel coverage and volume comes from Booking.com with a check-in date of Friday, July 26 and a check-out date of Sunday, July 28.

Flight Coverage (15% of total score)

• Star Alliance Carriers (3% of total score)
• OneWorld Carriers (3% of total score)
• Skyteam Carriers (3% of total score)
• Southwest (3% of total score)
• JetBlue (3% of total score)

Flight Availability by Volume (35% of total score)

• Number of Flights from Star Alliance Carriers (7% of total score)
• Number of Flights from OneWorld Carriers (7% of total score)
• Number of Flights from Skyteam Carriers (7% of total score)
• Number of Flights from Southwest (7% of total score)
• Number of Flights from JetBlue (7% of total score) 

Hotel Coverage (15% of total score)

• Presence of Marriott group hotels (2.50% of total score)
• Presence of IHG group hotels (2.50% of total score)
• Presence of Hilton group hotels (2.50% of total score)
• Presence of Hyatt group hotels (2.50% of total score)
• Presence of Choice group hotels (2.50% of total score)
• Presence of Wyndham group hotels (2.50% of total score)

Hotel Availability by Volume (35% of total score)

• Number of Marriott group hotels (5.83% of total score)
• Number of IHG group hotels (5.83% of total score)
• Number of Hilton group hotels (5.83% of total score)
• Number of Hyatt group hotels (5.83% of total score)
• Number of Choice group hotels (5.83% of total score)
• Number of Wyndham group hotels (5.83% of total score)

Generally speaking, yes, travel credit cards are worth it —if you’ll use the benefits. Travel rewards credit cards can be a strategic addition to your finances, if you travel with any regularity. You’ll be able to earn rewards on every purchase and later redeem those rewards toward future trips—often at a higher yield than cash back. Many travel cards also include benefits to enhance your travel experience along the way to add even more value.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page . To view rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card please visit this page . For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

Is it a good idea to use a credit card when traveling?

Paying by credit card can be a smart idea while traveling since it offers additional protections compared to paying with cash or debit card. You might also earn rewards on your purchases by paying by card. Before traveling internationally, check to see whether or not your credit card charges a foreign transaction fee. If it does, every transaction will cost you a little extra (usually around 3%). The best travel cards don’t charge this fee.

What is the easiest travel credit card to get?

Most travel credit cards require good to excellent credit scores. However, generally speaking, travel cards with no annual fee are typically easier to be approved for than the ultra-premium travel cards with high annual fees.

What is the best credit card with travel insurance?

Forbes Advisor’s best credit cards for travel insurance list has a variety of cards offering solid travel insurance. Although you shouldn’t get a credit card for this feature alone, it can be a useful money-saving extra. Credit cards that offer travel insurance tend to have high annual fees, so keep this in mind when weighing whether or not you are likely to use the feature.

What is the best card for international travel?

Many credit cards are well suited for international travel. You want to make sure that the card has no foreign transaction fees . It also helps if the card’s points are suitable for the locations where you wish to travel. For instance, if you want to go to Asia, an airline card co-branded with a U.S.-based airline that doesn’t fly to Asia, like Southwest, won’t help you.

How can you travel for free with credit cards?

Travel with credit card points can save you a lot of money on travel compared to paying full price. A combination of welcome bonus offers and the rewards you earn from everyday spending can add up to hundreds of dollars in value toward free travel. However, you’ll need to learn the rules of your specific program to maximize travel points and get the most possible value.

Included statement credits or card benefits can also help you travel for free. Premium credit cards may offer annual credits toward the purchase of select travel, effectively serving as a rebate. Alternatively, you might have airline companion certificates or hotel free night certificates, which work more like a coupon.

Other Credit Cards To Be Considered

• Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
• Best Travel Credit Cards For Fair Credit

*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: American Express® Green Card, U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Bilt World Elite Mastercard®, Avianca LifeMiles American Express Elite Card, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

With more than 50 million redeemed miles under her belt, Becky Pokora is a rewards travel expert. She's been writing about credit cards and reward travel since 2011 with articles on Forbes Advisor, BoardingArea, The Points Guy and more. Her redemptions have helped her travel to more than 50 countries and all seven continents.

Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider and MyFICO. Clint has redeemed millions of credit card points and miles to book budget-friendly travel and is passionate about helping others do the same.

Yanely Espinal is the director of educational outreach for Next Gen Personal Finance, a nonprofit working to ensure that every high school student gets a full semester of personal finance education—including lessons in proper credit card usage—before graduation. She is often described as a ball of energy, with a gift for storytelling, and a passion for explaining credit cards and other financial concepts in a straightforward way.   While working as an elementary school teacher, Yanely decided to change her financial life by paying off $20,000 of debt in just 18 months. In 2015 she created MissBeHelpful, a YouTube channel and social media platform that now has over 5 million views, to help others learn the money skills she never learned in school. Some of her most popular videos on the channel include “5 Things to Consider When Applying for a Credit Card” and “When To Pay Your Credit Card Bill and Increase Your Credit Score.”   Her book, “Mind Your Money,” is an Amazon bestseller and was a Plutus Award finalist for Best New Personal Finance Book of 2023. She hosts Financially Inclined from Marketplace, a video podcast for teens about money lessons for living life your own way. Yanely is also a member of CNBC's Financial Wellness Advisory Council and an Advocate at the NGPF Mission 2030 Fund.  

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• Labor Day sale quicklinks
• Appliance sales and deals
• Home and kitchen sales and deals
• Outdoor sales and deals
• Fashion sales and deals
• Tech sales and deals

The best Labor Day sales of 2024: Deals from REI, Amazon, and more

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Labor Day is much more than just a three-day weekend for a lucky few; it's also a great chance to save. Before you hit the pool in a final summer hurrah, you won't want to miss these Labor Day sales on apparel, appliances, tech, and more.

Though the holiday doesn't officially arrive until September 2, several retailers are already kicking off their promotions. Some of my favorites include REI's huge annual Labor Day sale , Best Buy's appliance sale , and Benchmade's sitewide furniture deals . It's highly likely that even more retailers will join the festivities as Labor Day gets closer, and the deals will only improve. I'll keep tabs on the best of the best here, so be sure to check back often. 

Keep scrolling to find some of the best Labor Day deals on everything from smart speakers to six-person tents. You can also find more of the holiday's promotions in our roundup of the best Labor day mattress deals . 

Labor Day appliance sales and deals

If you’re hoping to upgrade your fridge but don’t know where to start, consider our top pick for the most reliable refrigerator. It has convenient French-style doors and comes in black, stainless steel, and white.

LG makes some of the best smart refrigerators around, and this model is no different. With the InstaView feature, you can tap twice on the right-hand door to make it transparent.

Featuring a wood-pellet heat source, portable design, and efficient heating and cooking, the Ooni Fyra 12 Pizza Oven is ideal for wood-fired pizza lovers.

The Wewe Single-Handle High-Arc Pull-Out Faucet is low in price but high in quality, with efficient operation and a simple tulip design.

The Tiki Brand Customizable Propane Fire Pit gives your patio a chic feel with just the turn of a knob. It's the best propane fire pit we've tested because of its user-friendliness and array of accessories.

Labor Day home and kitchen sales and deals

Available in an endless assortment of designs, the Society6 Summer Fern/Simple Modern Watercolor Bath Mat is just one example of the designs available.

The Cuisinart CPK-17 PerfecTemp Stainless Steel Cordless Electric Kettle is a tea lover's dream kettle with six temperature settings for all kinds of tea.

It's definitely not cheap, but it's customizable (so yours can definitely be less expensive than our set), ships directly to you within four days, and can be put together yourself to save installation fees.

Designed to represent relaxation, the OG Couch Potato Sofa offers medium support and a slight recline, which is perfect for movie nights or impromptu naps. The couch is available in multiple sizes including a two-seater size and a wide variety of colors.

The no-frills Flexispot Standing Desk moves quickly, smoothly, and quietly to reach your desired height. It's an affordable option for people who need a basic standing desk.

Labor Day outdoor sales and deals

This classic egg-crate-style pad is lightweight, affordable, and durable enough to double as a seat when you’re hanging out around a campfire or making dinner.

The updated Wawona 6 Tent by The North Face now features a double-wall construction with a huge vestibule for a more homey vibe.

The Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic Panniers can handle anything the weather throws at them and are easy to mount and remove from any rack style.

The 800-fill Cotopaxi Fuego Down Jacket will keep you warm even on frigid winter days, and the company's commitment to alleviating poverty will warm you all year round.

The Jackery Explorer 300 Portable Power Station can power or charge six small devices at a time and recharges using a solar panel (not included), wall outlet, or car port. Right now, it’s at an all-time low price.

Labor Day fashion sales and deals

Handwoven craftsmanship meets sustainability in our top selling huarache sandal. Easy-going, high quality, breathable and ready to be dressed up or down.

With its pared-down band (that comes in platinum, white gold, yellow gold, or rose gold), this beautiful engagement ring setting lets the princess-cut stone take center stage. All that’s left to do is choose the diamond.

Lug sole loafers are a great way to add some height without uncomfortable heels. This pair has an almost 2-inch platform, which makes it a great choice for wearing with pants that are just a little too long. It’s also is padded with Madewell’s signature CloudLift padding, which provides a cushy inside to guarantee that you won’t end up with sore feet at the end of the day.

Girlfriend Collective's Midnight Compressive High-Rise Legging is one of our favorite size-inclusive leggings for work. The best-selling compressive legging features an extra high-rise design, a four-way stretch, and a compressive fabric made with recycled water bottles (talk about eco-chic!).

Despite its low cut, this swimsuit is super secure even for larger cup sizes. The pull-string emphasizes your curves, so you can feel flattered in this one-piece.

Labor Day tech sales and deals

The Ultra 2 is Apple's biggest smartwatch that features the highly useful Action Button, has multi-day battery life, and has a rugged design that's perfect for athletes.

The new Amazon Echo Spot features a brand-new display face and functions best as an alarm clock smart speaker. It offers rich sound and can control your smart home's other devices with the help of Alexa.

The 2023 Era 100 speaker from Sonos offers unrivaled acoustics for a "bookshelf" smart speaker, and it includes an innovative set of touch controls. This is the first discount this product has seen.

The Acer Aspire is one of the most popular budget laptops around. It boasts a 14-inch Full HD screen with an AMD Ryzen 5 CPU.

The Link is one of the best webcams you can buy, and it's also one of the most innovative in recent years. Created by a camera company, the Link uses a half-inch sensor to deliver terrific video quality, even in low and bright lighting conditions. It can also track and automatically pan and tilt with the user, ensuring they stay at the center of the screen during video calls. When it isn't in use, the camera folds down for privacy.

For even more great savings, check out our roundups of the best Labor Day mattress sales and the best back-to-school sales .

• Main content

Japan's PM Kishida plans US visit in late September, Yomiuri reports

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Reporting by Sakura Murakami in Tokyo; Editing by William Mallard, Muralikumar Anantharaman and Jan Harvey

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Telegram messaging app CEO Durov arrested in France

Durov was traveling aboard his private jet, TF1 reported. It said police were investigating a lack of moderators on Telegram, which they thought allowed criminal activity to occur on the app.

Powerful typhoon veers east of Tokyo, disrupts holiday travel

Japan's transport systems, including shinkansen bullet trains, faced widespread disruptions, and many tourist spots were deserted as a powerful typhoon veered east of Tokyo on Friday, near the end of the Bon summer holidays.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of violent winds, mudslides, high waves and flooding, forecasting heavy rain in the eastern region around Tokyo and the northeast.

At 6 p.m. Friday, Typhoon Ampil was located some 160 kilometers south-southeast of Choshi in Chiba Prefecture. The typhoon is moving north-northeast at 15 km per hour, according to the weather agency.

It has an atmospheric pressure of 950 hectopascals at its center and is packing winds of up to 216 kph.

Central Japan Railway suspended all Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya, central Japan, for the entire day, with the shutters closed at Tokyo Station ticket gates.

"I reserved a seat on the bullet train but will have to go on the night bus instead. I'm exhausted," said a 20-year-old university student from Osaka who was visiting Tokyo with his friend.

Beyond Nagoya, the rail operator limited the number of trains to and from Shin-Osaka in western Japan.

East Japan Railway canceled some bullet trains on parts of the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Yamagata lines Friday afternoon. It said it will return to normal operations on Saturday.

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways said they canceled approximately 650 international and domestic flights to and from Tokyo's Haneda airport and Narita airport, east of the capital, affecting about 120,000 passengers.

In Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo, some commercial complexes, including the Sogo department store, were closed.

Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea in the prefecture were closed at 3 p.m., six hours earlier than scheduled, according to operator Oriental Land.

A Japanese-style inn, or ryokan, in Chiba, which was damaged in a 2019 typhoon, canceled all of its Friday reservations despite being fully booked.

"Customers will be in trouble if we experience problems such as a power outage," said Kensuke Takao, the president of the ryokan operator.

In Tokyo's Asakusa district, the landmark big red lantern of the Kaminarimon Gate was folded to prevent it from being damaged by the strong winds.

"Although it is the peak season for my business, there are few customers," said a rickshaw puller in his 40s.

Kentaro Sanada, an employee at a tempura restaurant nearby that closed at 3:30 p.m., earlier than the usual closing time of 9 p.m., said, "There is a risk that customers may not be able to go home. There's nothing we can do about the weather."

In the 24 hours from 6 p.m. Friday, the typhoon is forecast to dump 200 millimeters of rain on both the Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, and the Tohoku region.

The typhoon is expected to veer eastward toward the sea east of the northeastern Japan region on Saturday.

Related coverage:

Tokyo area braces for strong typhoon, transportation disruptions

Tokyo-Nagoya shinkansen to halt Aug. 16 as typhoon nears eastern Japan

Aug 16, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Strong typhoon may approach Japan Aug. 27, transport disruption likely

Aug 24, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Sex assault case against Japanese footballer Junya Ito dropped

Aug 9, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine hit by another graffiti attack

Aug 19, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

City near Osaka asks foreigners to apply for warlord role in parade

Aug 21, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

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Aug 18, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

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Mizoguchi, Japan's ex-currency chief known as "Mr. Dollar," dies

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Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy brands Putin 'sick old man' in video message; Russia and Ukraine swap 115 prisoners each

Russia and Ukraine have swapped 115 prisoners of war, including some who were captured during Ukraine's invasion in Kursk in recent weeks. In an independence day message to Ukrainians, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the Russian president would not dictate his "red lines" to Kyiv.

Saturday 24 August 2024 22:56, UK

• Ukraine and Russia exchange 115 prisoners of war 
• Zelenskyy brands Putin 'sick old man' in video to Ukrainians
• Telegram CEO arrested in France - reports
• Muted celebrations for Ukraine's independence day
• Residents evacuate key eastern town as Russian troops advance
• Your questions answered : Is there a larger response to come from Russia over the Kursk invasion?
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

That brings an end to our live coverage of the war in Ukraine for this evening - thanks for following along.

We'll be back with any major updates overnight, and will return to our rolling coverage tomorrow.

Before we go, here's a round up of today's key events:

• Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 115 prisoners of war as Ukraine marked its 33rd independence day. The Russian prisoners were soldiers captured during Ukraine's invasion of Kursk;
• In a video message to the Ukrainian people, Volodymyr Zelenskyy branded Vladimir Putin a "sick old man from Red Square" who would "not dictate any of his red lines to us";
• Belarus and Iran congratulated Ukraine on its independence day despite the two countries' close ties with Russia;
• At least five people were killed and five others injured in a Russian attack in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region;
• Pavel Durov, the founder and chief executive of the Telegram messaging app, was arrested in France , according to French media reports.

The founder and chief executive of the Telegram messaging app has been arrested in France, according to French media reports.

French television network TF1 reports that Pavel Durov was arrested at the Bourget airport outside Paris this evening.

According to the network, the Russian-born businessman had been travelling aboard his private jet and was the target of an arrest warrant in France.

Telegram has not responded to a request for comment by the Reuters news agency.

Mr Durov - who also founded the now-state controlled Russian social media service VK - left Russia in 2014 after resisting government pressure to hand over the data of Ukrainian protesters.

He now lives in Dubai and holds dual citizenship of the United Arab Emirates and France.

Telegram, which launched in 2013, is one of the top five most downloaded apps in the world.

Lithuania has announced a fresh batch of military aid for Ukraine - including drones and air defence missiles.

Prime minister Ingrida Simonyte said the package would help Ukraine "send Russian occupants back to where they belong".

In a post to X, Ms Simonyte said the aid would consist of "short-range air defence systems and missiles as well as anti-drones, guns, ammunition and equipment".

The package would reach Kyiv by September, she said.

Vilnius has also pledged to send around 5,000 Lithuanian-made drones to Ukraine by the end of autumn as well as allocating €35m (£29.6m) to purchase radars and demining equipment.

Polish-supplied tanks are being used by Ukraine in its offensive in the Kursk region, president Andrzej Duda has confirmed.

"We are touched to see how the PT-91 Twardy tanks, given by Poland [to Ukraine] more than one year ago, are defending today Ukraine on the battlefields, fighting in the Kursk region," he said. 

Vladimir Putin has vowed a "worthy response" to any use of Western weapons in the invasion.

Mr Duda's visit to Kyiv today coincided with Ukraine's independence day celebrations.

In a speech to mark the occasion, he also expressed confidence that the war "will soon end in [Ukraine's] victory".

"I have never had, and do not have, the slightest doubt that, through their united efforts and struggle, the courageous Ukrainian people will uphold their independence," he said.

A Russian air attack on the Ukrainian city of Sumy this evening has left seven people injured, officials have said.

The Sumy regional administration said on Telegram that Russia carried out a missile attack on civilian infrastructure in the city.

Seven people are wounded, including two who are in a serious condition.

"Take care of yourself and your loved ones, do not ignore the air warning signals," the administration said.

Sumy is the administrative centre of the wider Sumy region, which lies in Ukraine's northeast on the border with Russia.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed several laws targeting Russia today - including one that bans religious organisations linked to Moscow.

The series of laws included ratifying a statute that paves the way for Ukraine to join the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The ratification increases the chances of Russia being prosecuted for war crimes it has allegedly committed during its invasion of Ukraine, according to Mr Zelenskyy's office.

Meanwhile, a law has been signed prohibiting the the operation of religious institutions in Ukraine that have links to Russia.

The legislation, which was approved by the Ukrainian parliament earlier this month, created the legal tools for the government to ban a Russia-linked branch of the Orthodox church.

Organisations would have nine months to cut ties with Moscow's linked religious entities under the new law.

Mr Zelenskyy also signed a law offering Ukrainian citizenship to foreigners fighting in his army against Russia.

Ukrainian boxing star Oleksandr Usyk presented Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the coveted WBC heavy weight champion belt as the pair met to mark independence day.

Mr Zelenskyy posted a video of the meeting on his Telegram channel, saying it was an "honour" to receive the belt.

"Thank you for everything you do for Ukraine. For glorifying Ukrainian strength and invincibility. Thank you!" he wrote.

Usyk beat the UK's Tyson Fury to become the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world back in May.

In an interview with Sky News last month, the boxer revealed how he has cried behind closed doors about the war in his country.

Belarus and Iran have both sent their congratulations to Ukraine on its 33rd year of independence from the former Soviet Union, despite the two countries' close ties with Russia.

According to Belarusian news agency Belta, president Aleksandr Lukashenko said his citizens have "always had a special respect and warm regard" for the Ukrainian people.

"We are united not only by the common fate and family ties, but also by the desire to be friends and get along with neighbours," he was cited as saying.

Belarus acted as a staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and Mr Lukashenko is one of Vladimir Putin's key allies.

Meanwhile, the Iranian foreign ministry published a message on social media saying it was congratulating the government and people of Ukraine on its independence.

Tehran is alleged to have provided Moscow with hundreds of deadly drones, as well as other weapons, for use in its war on Ukraine.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has used an independence day message to brand Vladimir Putin a "sick old man from Red Square".

In a video address to the Ukrainian people, Mr Zelenskyy used derisive language to describe Russia's 71-year-old president and his nuclear rhetoric.

"A sick old man from Red Square who constantly threatens everyone with the red button will not dictate any of his red lines to us," the Ukrainian leader said in the video posted to Telegram.

In his speech, Mr Zelenskyy noted that the war started by Russia had spread to its own territory.

"Those who seek to sow evil on our land will reap its fruits on their own soil," he said.

He also said "those who sought to turn our lands into a buffer zone should now worry that their own country doesn't become a buffer federation".

Five people have been injured after a Russian shelling in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, authorities have said.

The country's state emergency service said Russian forces targeted the village of Novoosynove in the Kupyan district with rockets today.

Four women and a man were injured, it said, while two residential buildings and an area of dry grass caught fire.

"Rescuers extinguished the fire and prevented the flames from spreading to other homes," the emergency service said on Telegram, adding that medics were at the site of the attack.

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How Did Mpox Become a Global Emergency? What’s Next?

The virus is evolving, and the newest version spreads more often through heterosexual populations. Sweden reported the first case outside Africa.

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By Apoorva Mandavilli

Apoorva Mandavilli covered the 2022 mpox outbreak and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Faced once again with a rapidly spreading epidemic of mpox, the World Health Organization on Wednesday declared a global health emergency. The last time the W.H.O. made that call was in 2022, when the disease was still called monkeypox.

Ultimately the outbreak affected nearly 100,000 people worldwide, primarily gay and bisexual men, including more than 32,000 in the United States.

The W.H.O.’s decision this time was prompted by an escalating crisis of mpox concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It recently spread to a dozen other African countries. If it is not contained, the virus again may rampage all over the world, experts warned.

On Thursday, Sweden reported the first case of a deadlier form of mpox outside Africa , in a person who had traveled to the continent. “Occasional imported cases like the current one may continue to occur,” the country’s public health agency warned.

“There’s a need for concerted effort by all stakeholders, not only in Africa, but everywhere else,” Dr. Dimie Ogoina, a Nigerian scientist and chair of the W.H.O.’s mpox emergency committee, said on Wednesday.

Congo alone has reported 15,600 mpox cases and 537 deaths, most of them among children under 15, indicating that the nature of the disease and its mode of spread may have changed.

Here’s what to know.

Is this the virus we saw in 2022?

This is a different version of the mpox virus.

Mpox is a close relative of the smallpox virus. There are two main types: Clade I, the version that is dominant in Congo, and Clade II, a form of which caused the 2022 global outbreak. (A clade is a genetically and clinically distinct group of viruses.)

Clade I mpox is generally thought to cause more severe illness and to have a much higher mortality rate, which is one reason the W.H.O. is sounding the alarm now. Officials hope to contain this outbreak before it spreads to other continents.

The infection may resemble an ordinary respiratory illness at first but later blooms into a raised rash in the mouth, hands, feet or genitals. The virus spreads mainly through close contact — directly with the skin or fluids of an infected person, or with contaminated bed linens and other items.

Scientists learned during the 2022 outbreak that mpox can spread even in the absence of symptoms. And the rash may be mistaken for other diseases such as measles or chickenpox, particularly in young children.

Who is getting infected this time?

In the 2022 outbreak, mpox spread globally mainly among gay and bisexual men. Behavioral changes in that community helped to contain the virus, and vaccination at the time, or now, will help protect them.

Until recently, most cases in Congo resulted from consumption of contaminated meat or close contact with infected animals and people. But last year, scientists discovered a new subtype of mpox, Clade Ib, which appears to spread from person to person primarily through heterosexual transmission .

Most cases have been observed in prostitutes, truckers and other transient workers.

“Sex is probably the primary driver, and then the secondary driver is close contact and households,” said Dr. Jay Varma, the chief medical officer at SIGA Technologies, which manufactures tecovirimat, a drug used to treat mpox infection.

As with many other infections, most people with healthy immune systems are unlikely to become severely ill with mpox. Those who have weakened immune systems, including those living with H.I.V., are at highest risk of severe illness and death .

Older adults, who are typically more susceptible to infections, may be at least somewhat protected by their childhood vaccinations for smallpox, which ended in the United States in 1972.

Most of the deaths in Congo have been in children under 15, perhaps because their health may already be compromised by poor medical care, malnutrition and the many other pathogens they face.

Has the outbreak spread to the United States or Europe?

Many countries worldwide, including the United States, have continued to see patients with Clade IIb mpox, the version that caused the 2022 outbreak.

So far this year, there have been about 1,657 cases of mpox in the United States, more than double the number at this time last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Just one case of the more severe Clade I infection has been reported in Europe — in Sweden, in a person who had traveled to Africa. Other so-called “imported” cases seem likely. But experts tend to worry more about community transmission.

“I don’t think the risk right now for Americans is high at all, but what this is telling us is that we have to be vigilant,” said Dr. Trish Perl, an infectious disease physician at UT Southwestern Medical Center.

But previous epidemics, including of mpox, illustrate that an uncontrolled outbreak anywhere in the world may eventually turn up everywhere, Dr. Varma said. Since December, the C.D.C. has twice warned clinicians and the general public to remain alert for signs of mpox.

“I really think it’s only a matter of time before North America, Europe, etc., start to see cases,” he said, referring to the deadlier viral subtype. “Unless we invest in disease control everywhere, we’re going to remain always at risk.”

Will the vaccine still protect against mpox?

Two doses of the mpox vaccine Jynneos should protect against all versions of the virus, experts said.

Jynneos, made by Bavarian Nordic, was used in 2022 in the United States and Europe. The vaccine, initially developed against smallpox, should protect against mpox and all other members of that virus family, said Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious diseases physician at Emory University in Atlanta.

Several studies have shown that antibodies prompted by the Jynneos vaccine wane and may be undetectable within a year. But other research has found that two doses effectively prevent severe illness , Dr. Titanji said.

In the United States, however, fewer than one in four people for whom vaccination was recommended got two doses.

“People were less interested in coming back and getting that second dose, or even starting the course of their vaccination,” Dr. Titanji said. “Maybe we will see an increase in uptick in vaccination, and this will serve as a reminder for people to come in and get vaccinated.”

In 2022, the federal government provided the shots at no cost. Jynneos is now commercially available, and some insurance companies may cover the cost.

For some patients, the shots may prove too expensive , Dr. Perl said. If mpox cases were to escalate, the U.S. government may again make the shots available free of charge, according to a federal official with knowledge of the situation.

Is the U.S. prepared for another bout with mpox?

Yes and no.

Scientists learned a lot about the virus in 2022 and have identified vaccines and treatments. But they do not fully understand how the deadlier virus is spreading in Africa, especially among children, or who is most at risk.

“This is very, very crucial when you think about designing a response strategy,” Dr. Titanji said.

There are few resources allocated to fighting sexually transmitted infections in the United States, said David Harvey, the executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.

Officials have not solved the problems that hobbled the response in 2022, including poor uptake of the vaccine and “a shockingly underfunded S.T.I. public health system,” Mr. Harvey said.

“Today, we worry about an mpox outbreak,” he added. “We’re already dealing with syphilis, and tomorrow there will be another outbreak of an S.T.I.”

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of U.S. mpox cases so far in 2024. It is 1,657, not 740.

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Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli