JESTA: The name of the future authorization to travel to Japan

Japan is preparing to introduce a new electronic travel authorization system, known as the JESTA (Japanese Electronic System for Travel Authorization). Inspired by the ESTA from the United States, JESTA aims to tighten entry controls for travelers from visa-exempt countries.

This system, to be fully implemented by 2030is a response to growing concerns about illegal immigration and overstaying.

How the JESTA system works

JESTA will require travelers to declare their personal information, reason for entry and details of their stay online before travelling to Japan. This procedure will enable the Japan Immigration Services Agency to screen potential visitors before their departure. Applications deemed to be at risk of illegal immigration will not be granted permission to travel, and the individuals concerned will be encouraged to apply for a formal visa at the local Japanese embassy.

JESTA objectives

The main aim of JESTA is to reduce the number of illegal immigrants from visa-exempt countries. At present, authorized stays vary from 14 to 90 days, depending on the passport.. However, a significant number of visitors exceed this duration, posing a challenge for the Japanese authorities. In January 2016, of the 49,801 illegal short-term visitors registered, over 28,000 came from visa-exempt countries and regions.

Countries concerned

The JESTA system will apply to travellers from 71 visa-free countries and regionsincluding 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, Macao, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Macedonia, Norway, Panama, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, South Korea, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States and Uruguay..

Comparison with American ESTA

Aspect	JESTA (Japan)	ESTA (United States)
Objective	Reducing illegal immigration and strengthening security	Anti-terrorism measures and entry controls
Countries concerned	71 visa-free countries	40 Visa Waiver Program countries
Procedure	Online declaration of personal information	Online declaration of personal information
Validity	Planned for several years with multiple entries	Generally valid for 2 years with multiple entries
Screening	Before boarding	Before boarding
Immigration risk	Refusal of authorization if at risk, visa required	Refusal of authorization if at risk, visa required

JESTA deployment schedule

The Japanese government plans to allocate funds for JESTA research and development in next year's fiscal budget, with the aim of implementing it by 2030. A trial system is due to be launched this year, where airlines will send passenger information to theImmigration Services Agency after boarding procedures.

This data will be checked against a blacklist of travelers, including those with criminal backgrounds, enabling airlines to deny boarding to flagged individuals.

Impact on Passengers

Although JESTA is designed to enhance security for both Japan and its visitors, it could pose challenges for travelers accustomed to visa-free entry. Further information on the application process, deadlines and personal information requirements will be published closer to the system's launch date.

• Japan

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