From Tokyo’s chaotic junctions and neon signs to the luscious botanical gardens and temples of Kyoto, a trip to Japan is on many travellers’ bucket lists for good reason.
However, according to the Japanese news site The Sankei Shimbun, UK visitors may encounter an extra obstacle in the coming years as Government officials consider a US-style e-visa system for nationalities currently exempt from obtaining tourism-only visas.
At the time of writing (Wednesday, 4 September 2024), British Citizens and holders of British National (Overseas) Passports do not need to acquire a visa to enter Japan as long as the visit is for 90 days or less. Visitors looking to work and study in the country must apply for the relevant visas but, for many, entry into Japan for UK nationals is a seamless experience.
The Nakasendo trail, the pathway connecting Kyoto and Tokyo in JapanGetty Images
Among other guidance for UK nationals travelling to Japan, it’s noted that, “If you’re visiting Japan, your passport must be valid for the length of your stay. No additional period of validity is required. You need a blank page for your visa stamp.”
However, this could change by 2030. According to the Japanese news site, “the government plans to introduce a system to screen foreign tourists who are exempt from short-term visas for tourism and other purposes before they travel.”*
As it stands, nationals from 71 countries are exempt from visa requirements. These include the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and much of mainland Europe, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece.
JESTA is the provisional name of the scheme that the government claims will deter illegal immigrants from countries that reside in visa-exempt countries but arrive in Japan and subsequently use the refugee system to their benefit. The news site points to statistics that, “of the 49,801 short-term residents currently residing illegally as of January 2014, more than 28,000 came from visa-exempt countries.”*
AloJapan.com