What Is the Electronic Travel Authorization System “JESTA”? 

On March 10, 2026, a partial amendment to the “Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” (hereinafter referred to as the “Immigration Control Act”) was approved by the Cabinet. Among the changes introduced by this amendment, the most closely watched is the Electronic Travel Authorization system “JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization),” scheduled for introduction in fiscal year 2028. 

JESTA is a system targeting foreign nationals and others who intend to make short-term stays and whose countries or regions are exempt from visa requirements. Once JESTA is in operation, eligible travelers will be required to obtain authorization through an online application before traveling to Japan. Without such authorization, boarding an aircraft or entering Japan will not be permitted. 

Similar electronic travel authorization systems have already been introduced in many countries, including the United States, Australia, and South Korea, and JESTA has been developed with reference to these overseas examples. 

Taiwan is also included among the countries and regions exempt from visa requirements. Gaining an early understanding of how the system works will help ensure smoother preparation. 

Purpose of Establishing JESTA 

The government has cited the following two objectives in establishing JESTA. 

The first is “strengthening immigration control.” Short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries and regions traveling for tourism and similar purposes are currently able to enter Japan without undergoing visa screening. Under the existing system, it has been difficult to prevent the entry of foreign nationals from these countries and regions who intend to overstay or otherwise violate immigration rules. After the introduction of JESTA, the government aims to achieve more rigorous immigration control through an authorization review process conducted by the competent authority. 

The second is “streamlining entry procedures.” According to Ministry of Justice data, the number of newly arriving foreign nationals in 2025 reached a record high of approximately 39.18 million, and the resulting increase in immigration screening wait times has become a pressing issue. The introduction of JESTA is expected to streamline procedures through measures such as greater use of automated gates. 

Procedures After the Introduction of JESTA 

The outline of specific procedures following the introduction of JESTA is as follows (applicable to visa-exempt foreign nationals planning a short-term stay). 

Foreign nationals required to obtain authorization must submit prescribed information online to the competent authority, the Immigration Services Agency, and pay the applicable fee prior to entering Japan. The Agency will review the submitted information and determine whether to grant authorization. 

Next, at the time of check-in at the airport or other departure points, airlines and other carriers must report the names and relevant details of passengers to the Immigration Services Agency, which will in turn notify the carriers whether each passenger holds valid authorization. Tickets may be issued to those confirmed as authorized. On the other hand, for those without authorization, the Act imposes a “prohibition on transport” obligation on carriers, meaning they are not permitted to allow such individuals to board. 

Upon arrival in Japan, the stamping of a landing permit in the passport will be dispensed with, and travelers will be able to use automated gates, making the overall process smoother than it is today. 

The partial amendment to the Immigration Control Act, which includes this system, is currently under deliberation in the National Diet. The government is aiming to launch JESTA operations in 2028, and further developments are being closely watched. 

 

(Reference) 

Ministry of Justice, “Summary of the Bill to Partially Amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Act on Special Provisions Concerning Procedures for Landing Applications by Foreign Nationals Holding Passports under Article 2, Paragraph 5(b) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act” (accessed March 19, 2026, https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001457911.pdf)