Japan is preparing to implement a new travel authorization system that will affect travelers from 71 countries currently enjoying visa-free entry. The system, expected to be fully operational by 2030, will require visitors from these countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, Britain, the United States, and Australia, to submit their personal information online before traveling to Japan. This new measure aims to enhance border security and improve the overall entry process for travelers.
The Japanese government has announced this initiative as part of a broader tourism plan with a goal of attracting 20 million foreign visitors by 2030. The system will be similar to the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), requiring travelers to provide their purpose of entry and accommodation details for review by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency. Travelers deemed potential overstay risks will have their authorization denied and will be required to apply for a formal visa through their local embassy.
The new system is a response to the increasing number of overstays by visa-exempt visitors. While airlines currently send passenger information to the Japanese government for screening, travelers who fail this screening are still allowed to enter the country. Despite being ordered to leave, many overstay their permitted duration, leading to concerns about system abuse. In 2016, over 28,000 illegal short-term visitors out of 49,801 were from visa-exempt countries, prompting the introduction of these new measures.
The new travel authorization system is expected to be funded by the Japanese government in the upcoming budget. The implementation of this system will affect travelers from a wide range of countries across different regions, including Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, Oceania, the Middle East, and Europe. Each country has specific conditions and durations for their visa-free entry, with some requiring additional notes or stipulations.
While the new system will undoubtedly impact travelers, it is ultimately intended to improve border security and ensure a smoother and more secure entry process for all visitors to Japan.
