Japan to Introduce New Entry System for Travellers from 71 Visa-Exempt Countries

Japan is set to replace its visa exemption for 71 countries with JESTA, a new travel authorization system that will require online declarations from travelers. The move aims to reduce illegal stays and improve border security, making entry into Japan more regulated and secure.
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Travelling to Japan as a tourist has been straightforward for visitors from 71 visa-exempt countries, who currently do not need a short-stay visa before travelling. However, this is set to change as the Japanese government plans to implement a new travel authorization system, tentatively named JESTA.

JESTA: Japan’s Version of U.S. ESTA

JESTA will function similarly to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was introduced as an anti-terrorism measure. The Japanese system will require visitors to declare personal information online before entering the country.

Reducing Illegal Stays in Japan

JESTA aims to reduce illegal stays by screening travellers from visa-exempt countries before they enter Japan. Currently, stays of 14 to 90 days are allowed, but many visitors overstay, and screening after takeoff does not stop them from reaching Japan.

The Japanese government hopes that the new system will help identify potential risks before these individuals even board their flights.

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How the System Will Work

JESTA will require Visitors from visa-exempt countries to declare their entry purpose and stay details online. Those flagged as potential risks will be denied authorization and advised to apply for a formal visa.

This information will be screened by the Immigration Services Agency. If there are concerns about the traveller’s intentions, they may be denied entry and advised to apply for a formal visa through their local embassy.

Countries Affected

Travellers from the following 71 countries and regions will need to use JESTA once it is implemented:

  1. Andorra
  2. Argentina
  3. Australia
  4. Austria
  5. Bahamas
  6. Barbados
  7. Belgium
  8. Brazil
  9. Brunei
  10. Bulgaria
  11. Canada
  12. Chile
  13. Costa Rica
  14. Croatia
  15. Cyprus
  16. Czech Republic
  17. Denmark
  18. Dominican Republic
  19. El Salvador
  20. Estonia
  21. Finland
  22. France
  23. Germany
  24. Greece
  25. Guatemala
  26. Honduras
  27. Hong Kong
  28. Hungary
  29. Iceland
  30. Indonesia
  31. Ireland
  32. Israel
  33. Italy
  34. Latvia
  35. Lesotho
  36. Liechtenstein
  37. Lithuania
  38. Luxembourg
  39. Macao
  40. Malaysia
  41. Malta
  42. Mauritius
  43. Mexico
  44. Monaco
  45. Netherlands
  46. New Zealand
  47. North Macedonia
  48. Norway
  49. Panama
  50. Poland
  51. Portugal
  52. Qatar
  53. Republic of Korea
  54. Romania
  55. San Marino
  56. Serbia
  57. Singapore
  58. Slovakia
  59. Slovenia
  60. Spain
  61. Suriname
  62. Sweden
  63. Switzerland
  64. Taiwan
  65. Thailand
  66. Tunisia
  67. Türkiye
  68. United Arab Emirates
  69. United Kingdom
  70. United States
  71. Uruguay

Also Read: Japan Unveils eVisa System for Tourists from 11 Countries

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Timeline and Future Plans

The Japanese government plans to allocate research costs for JESTA in the next fiscal year’s budget, with a target to fully implement the system by 2030.

Additionally, a trial system is expected to be launched this fiscal year. This trial will involve airlines sending passenger information to the Immigration Services Agency after boarding procedures.

The data will be checked against a blacklist of travellers, including those with criminal records or other security concerns, allowing airlines to refuse boarding to flagged individuals.

Impact on Travellers

While JESTA is intended to enhance security for both Japan and its visitors, it may pose challenges for travellers accustomed to the current visa-free entry. More information about the application process, timelines, and personal information requirements will be released closer to the system’s launch date.

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Final Words

Japan’s new travel authorization system aims to tighten border controls and ensure that visa-exempt visitors comply with entry regulations, enhancing the country’s safety and security measures.


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Manish Khandelwal
Manish Khandelwal

Manish Khandelwal, a travel-tech enthusiast with over a decade of experience in the travel industry. Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Travelobiz.com, he's passionate about writing.

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