Japan has been known for its easy entry policy for travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including popular destinations such as the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, and France. However, the Japanese government plans to increase scrutiny for passengers from these nations by introducing a new online travel authorization system by 2030. The aim is to improve border security and reduce the number of illegal overstayers in the country. This decision comes as a response to the growing number of unauthorized stays in Japan, with over 79,000 illegal overstayers as of January, which is a significant increase from the numbers a decade ago.
The new Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) will require visitors from visa-exempt countries to submit personal and travel information online before their trip. Modeled after the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), JESTA will allow authorities to screen travelers before they enter Japan, flag potential overstay risks, and deny authorization if necessary. Travelers who are flagged will then have to apply for a visa through their local Japanese embassy. This system aims to prevent illegal entries before flights arrive and ensure compliance with entry regulations.
JESTA will apply to travelers from 71 countries, including popular tourist destinations like the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, Singapore, France, and others. Once implemented by 2030, these travelers will need to complete the online authorization process before their trip to Japan. The Japanese government also aims to welcome 60 million tourists per year by 2030 and increase tourist spending to 15 trillion yen. Before the full implementation of JESTA, there will be a trial phase where passenger information will be screened against a traveler “blacklist” to prevent unauthorized entry.
The introduction of JESTA adds an extra step to the travel process for visitors to Japan, similar to the U.S. ESTA system. Travelers will need to factor in the time required for online authorization when planning trips to Japan in the future. This change comes at a time when Japan is experiencing a tourism boom, with a record 35 million foreign visitors expected in a year and tourism spending projected to reach eight trillion yen. This surge is driven by a weak yen and marks a significant increase from pre-pandemic peak numbers in 2019.
Japan has seen a remarkable increase in international travelers, with a record number of foreign visitors expected in 2024. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the estimated number of international travelers to Japan in June 2024 was 3,135,600, a 9% increase from 2019. In the first half of 2024, Japan welcomed a total of 17.8 million foreign tourists. This growth in tourism numbers highlights the importance of implementing measures like JESTA to manage the influx of visitors, ensure border security, and prevent unauthorized stays in the country. As Japan aims to further develop its tourism industry, changes like the introduction of JESTA will play a crucial role in shaping the future of travel to the country.
