Japan Visa and Travel News
Japan’s Parliament has passed a reform creating the legal basis for the future JESTA system. The electronic authorization will eventually apply to visa-exempt travelers visiting Japan for short stays.
JESTA, Japan’s future electronic travel authorization system, was the subject of detailed exchanges in the House of Representatives. Lawmakers obtained fresh details from the government on which travelers would be covered, the loopholes Tokyo wants to close, the rollout timeline, the cost, and the safeguards expected before the system goes live.
The Japanese government has approved a bill aimed at reforming several provisions of the country’s immigration legislation, including the creation of the “JESTA” electronic travel authorization system. Presented to the House of Representatives, the text also provides for a significant increase in the legal ceiling for fees related to residence permits, marking the first revision in more than forty years.
In her general policy speech delivered on February 20, 2026, at the opening of the 221st session of the National Diet, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that her government will soon introduce a bill to establish the electronic travel authorization system “JESTA”.
Japan has officially adopted the name “JESTA” (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for its upcoming electronic travel authorization system, which will apply to nationals from visa-exempt countries. Modeled after the U.S. “ESTA” system, JESTA is set to be launched by 2028.
Originally slated for 2030, Japan’s electronic travel authorization system, temporarily named “JESTA”, is now expected to launch by fiscal year 2028. The program will apply to travelers who currently enjoy visa-free entry and is aimed at improving the management of incoming travel flows.
Initially planned for the long term, electronic travel authorization for Japan may see the light of day sooner than expected. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has announced his intention to accelerate the implementation of the Japanese version of ESTA, in order to better control the arrival of travelers. This is a
To streamline immigration procedures upon arrival, Japan will introduce a preclearance system for foreign travelers in 2025. Since reopening to international tourism after the pandemic, and due in part to the weak yen, Japan has been breaking records for international arrivals. According to data from the Japan National Tourism Organization,
Foreign visitors exempt from entry visas to Japan will soon be required to obtain an ESTA-type electronic travel authorization to visit the Land of the Rising Sun. Tourists from 71 countries and territories, including European states, do not need a visa to travel to Japan. Simply with a valid passport,
