Japan has been welcoming record numbers of travelers this year, and with tourism showing no signs of slowing down, this is bound to continue. To keep up and make arrival procedures smoother, the country is looking to introduce JESTA, or the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization. Similar to the U.S. ESTA, JESTA will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to get digital approval before their trip.

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More about JESTA

JESTA is an online pre-travel authorization system that lets Japanese authorities review travelers before they arrive. Anyone from a visa-exempt country will fill out a simple online form with personal details, travel history, and their planned itinerary. Once approved digitally, they're ready to board their flight to Japan.

Requiring travelers to register in advance helps speed up immigration lines, reduces potential risks at the border, and brings Japan in line with other countries that already use electronic travel authorization systems. It's all part of a bigger push to make visiting Japan smoother and safer for everyone.

The JESTA system will bring Japan in line with other countries who already have digital preauthorization requirements for travelers, such as the U.S. ESTA program
The JESTA system will bring Japan in line with other countries who already have digital preauthorization requirements for travelers, such as the U.S. ESTA program

Who is required to have a JESTA?

The new system will affect travelers from over 70 countries and regions (at the time of writing) that currently enjoy visa exemptions. The full list of countries impacted can be found on Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here, but it includes destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. While short-term visitors can currently enter Japan without a visa, all travelers from these regions will be required to obtain JESTA authorization once the system comes into effect.

Numerous nationalities will be impacted, including Australian passport holders
Numerous nationalities will be impacted, including Australian passport holders

When are the changes taking place?

JESTA is scheduled for rollout by the end of Japan's fiscal year 2028, which is slightly ahead of a previously suggested 2030 launch. Authorities have indicated that detailed instructions and support will be provided for applicants closer to the implementation date. Until then, travelers from visa-exempt countries can continue entering Japan under existing regulations.