September 2nd, 2024 at 08:15 am

Japan to Implement New Visa-Exempt Entry System for Travelers from 71 Countries

Japan is going to switch from its visa exemption policy for 71 countries to JESTA, a new travel authorization system that will need tourists to make online disclosures. Through increased border security and a decrease in unauthorized stays, Japan’s entry will become more controlled and secure.

For tourists, visiting Japan has been easy as citizens of 71 countries exempt from visa requirements can enter the country without a prior short-stay visa. That is about to change, though, as the Japanese government intends to introduce a new travel authorization program that it has informally termed JESTA.

JESTA: Japan’s Version of U.S. ESTA

JESTA will operate in a manner akin to that of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) in the United States, which was implemented as a counterterrorism measure. Before entering the nation, travelers will need to submit their personal information online under the Japanese system.

Reducing Illegal Stays in Japan

JESTA checks visitors from nations where visas are not required to prevent unauthorized stays in Japan. Although visits between 14 and 90 days are currently permitted, many tourists overstay, and screening after takeoff does not prevent them from arriving in Japan. The new method is expected to assist in identifying possible threats before these people even board their planes, according to the Japanese government.

How the System Works

Visitors from nations free from requiring a visa must indicate their online entry purpose and length of stay to use JESTA. Those who are considered possible threats will not be granted permission and will be urged to seek an official visa instead.

The Immigration Services Agency will review this information. The traveler may be refused admission and told to apply for a formal visa through their local embassy if there are doubts about their intentions.

Affected Countries

Once JESTA is in place, travelers from the 71 nations and regions listed below will need to utilize it:

• Argentina
• Andorra
• Austria
• Australia
• Barbados
• Bahamas
• Brazil
• Belgium
• Bulgaria
• Brunei
• Chile
• Canada
• Croatia
• Costa Rica
• Czech Republic
• Cyprus
• Dominican Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• El Salvador
• France
• Finland
• Greece
• Germany
• Honduras
• Guatemala
• Hungary
• Hong Kong
• Indonesia
• Iceland
• Israel
• Ireland
• Latvia
• Italy
• Liechtenstein
• Lesotho
• Luxembourg
• Lithuania
• Malaysia
• Macao
• Mauritius
• Malta
• Monaco
• Mexico
• New Zealand
• Netherlands
• Norway
• North Macedonia
• Poland
• Panama
• Qatar
• Portugal
• Romania
• Republic of Korea
• Serbia
• San Marino
• Slovakia
• Singapore
• Spain
• Slovenia
• Sweden
• Suriname
• Taiwan
• Switzerland
• Tunisia
• Thailand
• United Arab Emirates
• Türkiye
• Uruguay
• United States
• United Kingdom

Schedule and Upcoming Projects

To complete the system’s implementation by 2030, the Japanese government intends to include research expenses for JESTA in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This fiscal year, a trial system is anticipated to be introduced as well. In this trial, after boarding procedures, airlines will provide passenger information to the Immigration Services Agency.

Airlines will be able to deny boarding to anyone who has been flagged by checking the data against a blacklist of travelers, which includes those with criminal backgrounds or other security issues.

Effect on Passengers

Although JESTA is meant to improve security for tourists visiting Japan as well as for Japan itself, travelers used to the current visa-free entrance may find it difficult to adjust. When the system launches, more details regarding the application procedure, deadlines, and needs for personal data will be made available.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s new travel authorization scheme intends to improve safety and security measures by strengthening border controls and ensuring that visitors who are not required to have a visa adhere to entrance requirements.