Visiting Japan will get slightly more complex in the coming years.The country is preparing to introduce a new travel authorization system in 2030 that will require visitors to declare personal information online in order to obtain permission to enter the country, Japan Today has reported.The new system is not all that unlike what the United States uses for foreign visitors, according to media reports. Individuals seeking to visit the United States, for instance, must use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was rolled out as an anti-terrorism security measure.ESTA is used to assess whether a traveler is eligible to visit the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program, before the individual gets on a plane to come here.In a similar fashion, the new program being introduced for those seeking to visit Japan, dubbed JESTA, is also meant to screen individuals before they embark on a journey to Japan, per Japan Today.Introduction of the JESTA program in Japan marks a departure from the easy breezy process visitors from 71 visa-exempt countries have experienced for years. Those from visa-exempt countries have historically been able to make short-stay visits without requiring any visa documents.The Japanese government has said their goal is to reduce the entry of illegal immigrants who come from visa-exempt countries and stay longer than is allowed.Data from the Japanese government shows that of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors to the country in January 2016, more than 28,000 arrived from visa-exempt countries and regions, according to Japan Today.Under the forthcoming JESTA program, visa-exempt foreign travelers will be required to declare their purpose of entry and place of stay online for screening by immigration officials before getting on a plane to come to Japan.And in cases where the online application is flagged for risk of illegal stay, the individual will not be approved to visit Japan. Instead, the traveler will be encouraged to obtain a formal visa through their local embassy in order to visit.The Japanese government will continue researching the proposed JESTA program over the coming year.
Japan to Introduce U.S.-Style Electronic Travel Authorization: 71 Nations Affected
06.09.2024 - 18:01 / skift.com / Peden Doma Bhutia
Japan has been known for its easy entry policy for travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, and France. But that’s about to change.
The Japanese government plans to increase scrutiny for passengers from these nations before they land by introducing a new online travel authorization system by 2030.
According to the Immigration Services Agency, Japan had over 79,000 illegal overstayers by January, which is about 20,000 more than a decade ago. Nearly 63% of these entered the country on short-term visas according to the Japanese government data.
Through the introduction of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), officials hope to improve border security and reduce unauthorized stays.
What is JESTA?
Modeled after the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), visitors coming in from visa-exempt countries to Japan will submit personal and travel information online before their trip. The goal is to screen travelers before they enter Japan, reducing illegal immigration and ensuring compliance with entry regulations.
How will JESTA work?
Visitors from these countries will submit details such as their travel purpose and place of stay before departing for Japan. The Immigration Services Agency will assess this information, and if it flags any travelers as potential overstay risks, the government could deny authorization to enter the country. Travelers would then have to apply for a visa through their local Japanese embassy. By implementing a system similar to the U.S. ESTA, Japan aims to prevent illegal entries before flights arrive.
Who will have to apply for this?
JESTA will apply to travelers from 71 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, France, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Qatar, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, and the UAE. Once implemented, these travelers, who currently enjoy relatively hassle-free entry, will need to complete the online authorization process before their trip.
When will the Japanese government implement JESTA?
With research and development already in progress, the Japanese government plans to launch the system by 2030. Japan also aims to welcome 60 million tourists per year, and increase tourist spending to 15 trillion yen ($96 billion) by 2030.
Before implementing the new system, the government will launch a trial phase in which the information of passengers will be screened against a traveler “blacklist.” The airlines would be authorized to refuse boarding to individuals who are flagged.
What does this mean for travelers?
JESTA adds an extra step to the travel process, similar to the U.S. ESTA system. Travelers will need to factor in the time required for online
Japan Now on Track to Open Its First Casino in 2030
Japan appears on track to welcome its first casino by 2030. Osaka IR, the operator of Japan’s long-awaited first casino resort, has forfeited its right to withdraw from the project within the next two years, as per reports.
I've been a digital nomad for 11 years. The hardest part of this lifestyle is dating.
My quest for a long-term partner while on the road has not yet proved successful, but it has always come with adventure.
How the iPhone 16 Camera Button Works With AI for Travelers
The newest iPhones will come with an easy way to ask generative AI about real-life visuals. For travelers, that means easier ways of navigating new cities.
Japan itineraries: 5 of the best routes to explore the country
Sep 9, 2024 • 13 min read
Viator Reveals Most Popular Travel Experiences
The latest data from Viator, an online travel agency for travel experiences, offers a window into evolving travel habits.
I've always traveled with my 2 kids, but now that they are teens it's so much more fun
I've been traveling with my two boys, ages 13 and 15, since they were babies.
I thought I was a respectful traveler until I visited Japan. I felt like a rude child and wished I'd known better before I left.
Japan is widely considered to be a polite, rule-following country, but knowing its reputation didn't fully prepare me for my recent trip.
These UK Seaside Towns Just Introduced the Country's First Tourist Tax
In a bid to clamp down on overtourism and protect places of interest, popular holiday destinations across Europe and beyond have introduced various forms of a “tourist tax”. In recent years, this has come into play in destinations such as Venice, Lake Como, Brussels, and parts of Japan—and now, UK hotspots are following suit.
10 beautiful destinations to see fall colors in 2024
Sep 5, 2024 • 5 min read
Skift Power Rankings: Jane Jie Sun
In China, gender equality remains elusive, with progress in women’s labor force participation advancing at a pace that makes a sloth look speedy. However, Jane Sun, the CEO of Trip.com Group, is shaking up the status quo.
Inside Chateau-sur-Mer, an Italianate-style villa known for its extravagant parties during the Gilded Age
Before Vanderbilt mansions like The Breakers and Marble House put Newport, Rhode Island, on the map as an escape for the Gilded Age's wealthy elite, there was Chateau-sur-Mer.