Japan to quintuple visa fees starting July 1, 2026
Japan will sharply increase its visa issuance fees starting July 1, 2026. The single-entry visa fee will rise from 3,000 to 15,000 yen, while multiple-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen.
Azerbaijan to waive visa requirements for Japanese citizens for one year
Azerbaijan will grant a unilateral visa exemption to Japanese citizens for a period of one year. The measure, announced following a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers, is intended to strengthen tourism, economic, humanitarian, and cultural ties between Baku and Tokyo.
Japan’s Parliament passes law paving the way for JESTA
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.
Japan’s Parliament unveils new details on JESTA, the electronic travel authorization planned for 2028
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.
Here are the world’s best airports in 2026
The 2026 World Airport Awards have just been released. Based on passenger experience, they once again highlight the dominance of Asian airports on the global stage.
Japan: Tokyo approves bill to introduce JESTA electronic travel authorization
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.
Japan: with JESTA authorization, Tokyo aims to “prevent the entry of undesirable foreign nationals”
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 officializes “JESTA”, its electronic travel authorization system
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.
Japan brings forward the introduction of its electronic travel authorization
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.
Japan: Prime Minister wants to speed up introduction of electronic travel authorization
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
Japan to launch electronic travel authorization soon
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,
