Japan Introduces New Travel Authorization System: JESTA to Screen Visitors Before Entry.
Japan is set to tighten its border controls with the introduction of a new travel authorization system, known as the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA). This initiative is aimed at screening visitors before they even board their flights, ensuring that only those with legitimate reasons for entering the country are permitted.
Modeled after the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), JESTA is an online pre-screening process designed to curb illegal immigration. The system will require travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries to declare their entry purpose and place of stay before arriving in Japan.
Currently, airlines provide passenger information to Japanese authorities only after takeoff. This practice has led to instances where travelers who do not meet entry requirements still arrive in Japan. With the implementation of JESTA, this issue will be addressed as individuals flagged as potential risks will be denied entry before they board their flights. In such cases, travelers will be advised to obtain a visa through their local Japanese embassy.
The Japanese government highlighted the need for such a system, citing data from January 2016. Of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors recorded, more than 28,000 came from visa-exempt countries. This statistic underscores the importance of pre-screening to maintain the integrity of Japan’s immigration policies.
JESTA is expected to be fully operational by 2030, with initial trials beginning within the current fiscal year. Additionally, a separate system will be introduced to cross-check passenger information against a “blacklist” of individuals before they board their flights, preventing flagged travelers from entering Japan.
Below is the list of visa-exempt countries and regions whose citizens will be required to use JESTA once it is launched:
- 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
- Macao
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Republic of Korea
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Türkiye
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Further details regarding the application process and specific requirements for JESTA will be released as the launch date approaches. Travelers from the listed countries should prepare to comply with these new measures to ensure smooth entry into Japan.
