Japan is set to accelerate the introduction of its own electronic travel authorisation system, known as JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), similar to the Australia’s Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba confirmed the move at the 26th Ministerial Council on the Promotion of Japan as a Tourism-Oriented Country meeting, stating that this initiative would help control the increasing influx of foreign visitors.
“We will move up the timing of the introduction of the Japanese version of ESTA,” Ishiba said. This system aims to streamline immigration procedures, enhance border security, and anticipate tourist flows before travellers even depart.
The e-visa is expected to be implemented for nationals of 71 countries, who currently enjoy visa exemptions for stays of up to 90 days. The countries eligible for the new system include:
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Brunei (30 days)
- 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 (15 days)
- Ireland
- Israel
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lesotho
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Macau
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Panama
- Poland
- Portugal
- Qatar (30 days)
- Romania
- Saint Marin
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- South Korea
- Spain
- Suriname
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- Thailand (15 days)
- Tunisia
- Turkey
- United Arab Emirates (30 days)
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
The new system will require these visitors to submit an online ETA application, providing Japanese authorities with their details in advance.
The country is aiming for 60 million foreign visitors by 2030, with tourism playing a key role in Japan’s economy. However, the rapid growth has led to challenges like overtourism at popular locations, including Mount Fuji. To combat overcrowding, the government has raised the climbing fee for Mount Fuji’s Yoshida trail and is considering similar measures for other popular destinations like Kyoto.
Japan’s efforts reflect a balance between attracting tourists and preserving its cultural and natural sites. As Ishiba remarked, “It is essential that regional areas can enjoy the benefit of attracting inbound tourists. As such, I request that you work to advance the smart tourism industry that creates high added value and generate profits, while implementing measures to prevent and curb overtourism, including the horizontal expansion of successful case studies”.
