Japan plans to introduce pre-arrival screening for travel to Japan in 2028 as part of wider efforts to boost inbound tourism while enhancing border security and streamlining entry procedures.
The system, which will be named JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), is being modelled on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
“As we roll out the system, we will work to raise awareness among foreign nationals wishing to enter to Japan, using the abbreviation JESTA,” said justice minister Keisuke Suzuki. “With the rising number of visitors to Japan, speeding up immigration procedures is an urgent task.”
Japan welcomed 36.9 million international visitors in 2024, a record high and a 47.1 per cent increase year-on-year. With the government aiming for 60 million inbound tourists by 2030, the Justice Ministry considers JESTA one way to improve visitor convenience and safety by utilising advanced technology. Use of digital technologies and the elimination of in-person procedures is also being considered for more efficient screening.
Under JESTA, travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan will be required to provide travel and personal information, such as their names, purposes of stay and locations, at least several days before arrival.
The 71 countries and regions exempt from obtaining visas for short-term stays in Japan include South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Canada, the UK, and most of Europe. Their nationals will be required to apply for travel authorisation via JESTA before departing for Japan.
