The Japanese government yesterday approved a bill to amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, marking a new step in the reform of the country’s entry policies.
The text, now submitted to the House of Representatives, notably provides for the creation of Japan’s future electronic travel authorization system known as JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
Already mentioned in recent months by Japanese authorities, including Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the initiative aims to introduce a pre-departure screening mechanism for certain travelers heading to Japan.
Inspired by similar systems already implemented in several destinations, such as the ESTA in the U.S. or the ETA in the UK, the system would allow Japanese authorities to anticipate the arrival of foreign travelers and strengthen immigration checks before they reach the country.
In practical terms, travelers concerned will need to submit certain information online prior to their trip in order to obtain authorization to board. Japanese authorities would then be able to identify in advance individuals who may not meet entry requirements, while authorized travelers could benefit from faster inspection procedures upon arrival.
The JESTA system will apply to travelers from 74 visa-exempt countries wishing to visit Japan for a short stay, including tourism or business purposes. Official documents released yesterday also indicate that other categories of travelers will be affected, including cruise ship passengers and individuals transiting through Japan.
As previously announced, the JESTA authorization system is expected to enter into force no later than March 31, 2029, once the necessary technical and administrative infrastructure is in place.
JESTA: a response to the surge in international tourism
Authorities justify the reform by pointing to the rapid increase in foreign visitors in recent years.
According to figures presented yesterday by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the country recorded around 39.18 million new foreign arrivals in 2025, a record level. Among them, approximately 38.46 million were short-term visitors, primarily tourists.
Officials also noted that around 80% of these travelers came from visa-exempt countries, meaning they can currently enter Japan without any form of prior screening before departure.
Combined with the strong recovery of international tourism, this situation has contributed to longer inspection procedures upon arrival and increased waiting times at airports, according to the authorities.
In documents accompanying the reform, Japanese officials also acknowledge certain limitations of the current system.
While immigration services already seek to refuse entry to individuals who may overstay, authorities note that removing people who remain illegally after their authorized stay requires significant effort and high costs.
Introducing a pre-travel authorization system such as JESTA is therefore intended to prevent problematic cases before travelers even depart, while enabling immigration services to better anticipate passenger flows.
Authorities also present the system as a way to strengthen migration control while simplifying border procedures, thanks to screening carried out prior to boarding.
Reform also targets immigration administrative fees
While the creation of JESTA has drawn particular attention from the travel sector, the bill also includes several other important measures.
Notably, it proposes a significant increase in the legal ceiling for administrative fees related to residence procedures for foreigners, including:
- change of residence status;
- extension of the period of stay;
- acquisition of permanent residency.
The legal ceiling could be raised by up to thirty times the current level, representing the first revision of these limits since 1981. The actual fees applied will, however, continue to be determined by government decree.
According to the bill’s timeline, this reform of fee ceilings could enter into force by March 31, 2027 at the latest.
Following its approval by the government, the bill has now been transmitted to the House of Representatives, where it will be examined by lawmakers.
The executive hopes the legislation will be adopted during the current parliamentary session, paving the way for the gradual implementation of the future JESTA system.
