Japan has announced visa-free entrance for citizens of 71 countries and plans to implement a new electronic travel authorization system dubbed JESTA by 2028, two years ahead of its original 2030 debut date, in a significant effort to increase tourism and streamline immigration.
At a parliamentary meeting on April 23, Japan’s Justice Minister Keisuke Suzuki made the news. In order to effectively handle the increasing number of foreign visitors, he said, the goal is to duplicate the effectiveness of the US ESTA program.
What is JESTA?
Travelers from nations that do not require a visa will need to complete the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or JESTA. Before traveling to Japan, visitors must fill out an online application with their personal information.
