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.
On April 23, Japanese Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki announced that the country’s electronic travel authorization system, provisionally called “JESTA” (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), will be implemented by fiscal year 2028, which runs from April 2028 through March 2029. This marks a significant acceleration compared to the initial 2030 target.
In response to the rising number of foreign visitors to Japan, we aim to introduce a Japanese version of the U.S. ESTA by fiscal 2028.
Keisuke Suzuki – Japanese Minister of Justice
Speaking before the Judicial Affairs Committee of Japan’s House of Representatives, Suzuki emphasized that “it’s essential to roll out this system as soon as possible to strengthen border control and streamline immigration procedures. We will work to launch it in time to meet the rapid surge in foreign visitors.”
The system will target travelers from countries that currently do not require a visa for short-term stays, typically for tourism or business. These travelers will need to submit key information online in advance, such as travel purpose and accommodation details, to receive approval to enter Japan.
Acceleration under the Prime Minister’s impetus
This accelerated timeline follows a directive from Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who recently called for a faster rollout of the Japan electronic travel authorization system.
During a government meeting focused on tourism policy, he stressed the need for better visitor management amid the resurgence of international travel and Japan’s ambitious goal of attracting 60 million foreign tourists annually by 2030.
Smoother, safer border control in sight
With the introduction of this ETA system, Japan is looking to modernize its entry procedures while enhancing border security.
Modeled after systems like the U.S. ESTA and the new UK ETA, the Japanese version will allow authorities to pre-screen visa-exempt travelers. By requiring visitors to provide personal and trip-related information ahead of time, Japan can issue mandatory electronic travel authorizations before passengers even board their flights.
The system is designed to achieve two main goals:
- Streamline arrivals at Japanese airports with faster, automated screening;
- Prevent unauthorized stays by identifying potential risks in advance.
If a traveler’s application is denied, they simply won’t be allowed to board their flight to Japan, a proactive measure aligned with Japan’s strategy for responsible and secure tourism management.
Who will need Japan’s electronic travel authorization?
The new system won’t apply to all foreign visitors, only those from countries and territories that currently benefit from visa-free access for short stays (generally 90 days or less).
By April 2028 and March 2029,, nationals from the following 71 countries and territories will be required to obtain electronic authorization before traveling to Japan:
- 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, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saint Marin, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay.
