Japan will implement a revolutionary new travel authorization system to bolster its border security and better manage its record-breaking influx of international visitors, according to the latest Japan travel news. In the first half of this year alone, Japan welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, setting a new record for the country’s rising global popularity.
Nationals from 71 countries, including Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Malaysia, and Singapore, enjoy visa-free travel to Japan for up to 90 days with a valid passport. However, this policy will soon evolve. Japan is set to introduce a new system, tentatively called JESTA (Japanese Electronic System for Travel Authorization), by 2030.
How JESTA Will Work
Japan has introduced the JESTA system, a new measure in line with the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). Under the updated Japan entry regulations, visitors from visa-exempt countries must submit their personal information online before travel. This pre-screening process enhances Japan’s capability to monitor and manage entries and exits to reduce illegal overstays.
The JESTA system will mandate travelers to declare their purpose of visit and place of stay, which will be reviewed by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. If a visitor’s application concerns potential illegal overstays, they may be required to obtain a formal visa through their local Japanese embassy instead of being granted travel authorization.
The JESTA system is expected to streamline the current process, which relies on airlines providing passenger information shortly after takeoff. While effective, this method often allows travelers without entry requirements to arrive in Japan before their status can be fully assessed. The new system aims to address this gap, preventing those flagged as high-risk from entering Japan in the first place.
Impact on Illegal Overstays
Japan’s government has recognized a significant issue with illegal overstays. In January 2016, out of 49,801 illegal short-term visitors, over 28,000 were from visa-exempt countries. The introduction of JESTA is anticipated to significantly reduce these numbers by enhancing pre-travel screening.
The new system will affect travelers from countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. The Japanese government plans to include funding for the JESTA system in next year’s budget to have it operational by 2030.
Broader Implications for Japan's Immigration Controls
The move is part of Japan’s broader efforts to modernize its immigration controls and maintain its position as a leading destination for international tourism. As tourism continues to surge and with the rise in demand for cheap flights to Japan, implementing JESTA is expected to offer a more efficient and secure approach to managing the growing number of visitors while safeguarding the country’s borders.
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