In a major move to boost tourism and streamline immigration, Japan has announced visa-free entry for citizens of 71 countries and will introduce a new electronic travel authorisation system called JESTA by 2028—two years ahead of its previously scheduled launch in 2030.
The announcement was made by Japan’s Minister of Justice, Keisuke Suzuki, during a parliamentary session on April 23. He stated that the aim is to replicate the efficiency of the U.S.'s ESTA program to better manage the growing number of international travellers.
What is JESTA?
JESTA, short for Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, will be mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries. Visitors will need to complete an online application before their departure to Japan, providing personal details, travel plans, and accommodation information. Once approved, they’ll receive a digital permit, valid for short stays of up to 90 days.
Denied applications will prevent travellers from boarding flights to Japan.
Why JESTA is being introduced
The JESTA system is designed to:
- Strengthen border security
- Pre-screen travellers before departure
- Speed up the immigration process
- Reduce airport congestion
- Enable automated and efficient passenger screening
Citizens of countries including the U.S., U.K., UAE, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Germany, France, South Korea, and 61 others currently enjoying visa-free access to Japan will be required to apply through JESTA starting in 2028.
List of countries granted visa-free entry
- 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
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar
- Romania
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
Benefits for travellers
The implementation of JESTA will offer travellers faster immigration processing, less waiting time at airports, enhanced safety checks, and smoother entry experiences. The move aligns with Japan’s tourism goals of welcoming 60 million international visitors annually by 2030.
This strategic step places Japan on a more advanced global tourism map, reinforcing its commitment to efficient, secure, and modern border management.
