TOKYO: Japan has announced the upcoming launch of its Electronic Travel Authorization System (ETA), tentatively named JESTA, which will now be introduced by fiscal year 2028, two years earlier than the originally planned 2030 launch.
The system will apply to travelers from visa-exempt countries, with the aim of making immigration procedures more efficient and strengthening border security.
Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki confirmed the update during a parliamentary session on April 23, highlighting it as a major step towards modernizing Japan’s travel and immigration framework.
Suzuki said, emphasizing the urgency given the surge in international tourist arrivals, “Our goal is to implement the Japanese version of the USSTA by fiscal year 2028.”
What JESTA Involves
Short for Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, JESTA will require travelers from visa-free countries to complete an online application before flying to Japan.
Applicants will need to provide:
- Purpose of travel
- Length of stay
- Accommodation details
- Personal identification information
Approved travelers will receive digital authorization for short-term stays, usually up to 90 days. Those whose applications are denied will not be allowed to board flights to Japan, enhancing pre-departure security checks.
Who Must Apply for JESTA
The JESTA requirement will apply to nationals of visa-exempt countries — individuals who currently do not need a visa for short visits to Japan.
By 2028, citizens of 71 countries and territories will need to obtain an electronic travel authorization, including:
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, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.
Why Japan Is Introducing JESTA
Following a strong recovery in tourism after the pandemic, Japan aims to welcome 60 million foreign visitors annually by 2030. The introduction of JESTA is central to achieving this target.
Justice Minister Suzuki explained that the new system has two main objectives:
- To strengthen border controls through pre-screening travelers before they arrive.
- To offer a more streamlined and faster entry process at airports.
JESTA will be modeled after established systems like the U.S. ESTA and the UK’s ETA, requiring travelers from visa-exempt countries to apply online before their departure.
How JESTA Will Benefit Travelers
The launch of JESTA is designed to balance security with convenience. Some expected benefits include:
- Faster immigration processing using automated systems
- Reduced congestion at airports during busy seasons
- Early risk screening of incoming visitors
- Better data collection for shaping tourism policies
These improvements are particularly important as Japan positions itself as a leading global tourist destination ahead of 2030.
About The Author
