For years, Japan has been one of the easiest countries to visit. The process has been simple:
- Hop on a plane.
- Arrive in Japan.
- Start exploring, all without the need for a short-stay visa.
This hassle-free entry has been one of the many reasons (and more recently, the very weak yen) Japan has remained a top destination for tourists worldwide.
However, that ease of entry is set to change, as the Japanese government has announced plans to introduce a new travel authorization system by 2030, tentatively named “JESTA,” which will require visitors to submit personal information online before their trip.
What is JESTA?
The new JESTA system (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is Japan’s version of the USA’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Like its American counterpart, JESTA will screen travelers from visa-exempt countries before they enter Japan. The main objective of this system is to prevent illegal immigration by identifying potential risks before they reach Japanese soil.
Currently, travelers from visa-exempt countries can arrive in Japan with minimal pre-screening. International airlines provide passenger information to the Japanese government after takeoff, meaning that any issues with a passenger’s eligibility to enter Japan are only addressed after landing.
The Government of Japan says this system has allowed a significant number of illegal immigrants to stay beyond their permitted period. In January 2016, 49,801 illegal short-term visitors were recorded, with more than half originating from visa-exempt countries.
How Will JESTA Work?
Under JESTA, travelers from the 71 visa-exempt countries must submit their travel details online before departure. This will include their purpose of entry and intended place of stay. The Immigration Services Agency will then screen the information. If any red flags are raised—such as a risk of overstaying—travelers may be denied the electronic travel authorization and instead be advised to apply for a formal visa through their local Japanese embassy.
The government aims to JESTA fully operational by 2030, with research and development funds allocated in the next fiscal year. However, before JESTA is fully implemented, a trial system will be introduced that will screen passengers’ information against a blacklist after boarding procedures have been completed. This trial will serve as a precursor to JESTA, allowing airlines to refuse boarding to flagged individuals, thus preventing them from traveling to Japan.
Who Will Be Affected?
JESTA will apply to visitors from the following 71 visa-exempt countries and regions:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Travelers from these countries must adjust to the new requirement of obtaining travel authorization before their trip, a shift from the relatively hassle-free process they’ve been used to.
What Does This Mean for Future Travelers?
The system will add an extra step to the travel planning process, similar to what travelers to the United States have experienced with ESTA. As the launch date approaches, more details will be released about how to apply, what information will be required, and the timelines involved.
Travelers should be aware of the upcoming changes and prepare to factor in the new authorization process when planning their trips to Japan in the forthcoming years.
Do you think JESTA is a good idea? Let us know how you feel in the comments below.
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If the system works easily it won’t be an issue. The current system is extremely clunky and on our last two trips (one with rescheduled arrival) we failed to get it completed satisfactorily. Having said that it wasn’t a problem on arrival.
It feels like travelling worldwide is becoming increasingly difficult again…
WHEN?!
It will go into full effect by 2030.
No doubt this will be supported by another badly designed website patched together. Will it have the same 30th Feburary date on its calendar the same as my Setagaya-ku Dorona Vaccination application form, or will it borrow from other confusing websites such as the Japan Post office EMS application web site. Perhaps Japan needs to hire some professional web designers to get this off the ground seamlessly.
Why shouldnt it be a good idea ?? if ESTA works for the USA, then Jesta will also work for Japan…
Good idea.
When will this be implemented?
Fine, just so long as it effects a quick transit entry instead of the usual nonsense on arrival.
Yes i think it’s a good thing
All countries should do something like this to stop the illegals entering and ruining things for us all.
Good change. People upset about this are exactly the ones that try to abuse the system.
Excellent idea
What a pile of crap.
More racism and xenophobia nonsense
More authoritarian nonsense. The politicians behind this should be rounded up and imprisoned for racism.