Japan has moved closer to introducing its future electronic travel authorization system.
On May 29, 2026, the Japanese Parliament adopted a revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, creating the legal basis for the future system known as JESTA, short for Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization. The bill was approved in a plenary session of the House of Councillors by 186 votes to 58, after previously being passed by the House of Representatives.
With this reform, Japan is preparing to introduce online pre-screening for visa-exempt travelers. The measure does not end visa-free travel, but it adds a prior formality before entry for short stays, following the model of electronic authorizations already in use or planned in several countries.
The adoption of the law concludes a process that has been underway for several months. After initial proposals centered on screening certain travelers before their arrival, the Japanese government approved the bill on March 10, 2026. Parliament then provided further details on the future JESTA in April 2026, before the bill was passed by the House of Representatives on April 28 and by the House of Councillors on May 29.
An electronic authorization for visa-exempt travelers to Japan
The adopted text notably amends Japan’s immigration control law to introduce a new electronic certification procedure for foreign nationals who are exempt from visa requirements and plan to visit Japan for a short stay.
Travelers covered by the measure will have to submit information electronically so authorities can verify that they meet entry requirements. The procedure is aimed at people who do not need a visa to travel to Japan but who wish to enter the country for short-stay purposes, including tourism.
The system is not expected to apply only to air arrivals. Cruise passengers and certain travelers transiting directly through Japan are also expected to fall within the scope of the future JESTA. The exact rules, however, will still need to be defined by Japanese authorities before the system is launched.
Once the system is operational, obtaining this certification will become one of the entry requirements for the travelers concerned. In its official rationale, the bill presents the reform as a measure designed to strengthen immigration controls while making arrival procedures smoother.
The law also provides that the electronic authorization may, in some cases, replace certain formalities traditionally completed during entry inspection. Japan therefore aims to shift part of the screening process upstream, before passengers reach the border.
JESTA will not be required immediately
The adoption of the law does not mean JESTA takes effect right away. The text provides for a phased implementation, on a date to be set by government ordinance. For the main provisions related to the electronic authorization, implementation must take place no later than March 31, 2029.
In practice, travelers do not yet have to apply for JESTA. The system’s exact procedures, application portal, required information, validity period and fee amount will have to be specified by Japanese authorities before launch.
This distinction matters for both travelers and tourism professionals. Japan has now adopted the legal framework for the future system, but the practical conditions for using it are not yet in force.
Immigration fees also set to increase
The reform is not limited to the future JESTA. It also raises the legal caps for several fees related to immigration and residence procedures in Japan.
The text amends Article 67 of the law to raise the caps to 100,000 yen for certain applications to change or renew residence status, 300,000 yen for permanent residence, and 10,000 yen for certain re-entry permits.
These amounts are legal ceilings. The actual fees charged will be set by government ordinance. The bill also provides that some fees related to the new electronic certifications, including the one planned for visa-exempt travelers, will be defined later through regulations.
A system similar to other electronic travel authorizations
With JESTA, Japan is joining a trend already well established in border management policies. The United States has long used ESTA, the United Kingdom is rolling out its ETA, Canada applies its eTA, and the European Union is preparing to launch ETIAS.
These systems have one thing in common: they are not visas in the traditional sense, but prior authorizations required from certain visa-exempt travelers. They allow authorities to review information before departure, rather than only at the border on arrival.
For Japan, the issue is also tied to the strong rebound in international tourism. The country is once again welcoming high numbers of foreign visitors and is seeking to balance tourism appeal, smoother arrivals and stronger immigration control.
