JAPAN – Electronic Travel Authorization System will launch in 2028.

Patricia Clarino, Senior Manager, Newland Chase Advisory

May 27, 2025

JESTA aligns with a growing global trend toward digital pre-travel authorization systems—such as the U.S. ESTA, the upcoming EU ETIAS, and the UK’s eTA—designed to strengthen border control while facilitating legitimate travel.

Japan’s Ministry of Justice has announced it will introduce a Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) in 2028, moving the implementation forward from its previously targeted 2030 rollout. JESTA will serve as a pre-travel screening mechanism, enabling the Japanese government to enhance border security while expediting immigration procedures upon arrival.

The JESTA system will require eligible travelers to complete an online authorization prior to boarding their flight to Japan. The system is expected to apply to all foreign nationals, regardless of their visa exemption status. By verifying travel eligibility in advance, the program aims to reduce on-arrival processing times and mitigate inadmissibility risks before travelers depart for Japan.

Key considerations for global mobility teams include:

  • Universal scope: Although final details have yet to be confirmed, it is anticipated that all travelers to Japan will be required to obtain JESTA approval in advance, even those currently benefiting from visa exemptions.
  • Operational impact: Employers and mobility managers should prepare for new administrative requirements as part of their Japan-bound travel protocols, particularly for short-term business visitors and rotational assignments.
  • Compliance planning: JESTA adds a pre-departure compliance checkpoint, making it critical for organizations to ensure accuracy in traveler data and itinerary planning.
  • Next steps: Detailed program criteria, eligibility requirements, and implementation phases will be released in due course by Japanese authorities.
This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Read next: CHINA – Visa-free access is granted to select Latin American countries

 

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