Visitors to Japan, including Thai nationals, will be required to secure an online immigration approval first before travelling to the East Asian country as it tightens security and screens overstayers and illegal migrants.
The Japanese government plans to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Jesta) in 2028, with the exact date to be announced later, the Jesta website said.
“Starting by the end of fiscal year 2028, travellers will need to apply for Jesta Japan approval before boarding flights to Japan,” it added. Japan’s fiscal year starts on April 1.
A non-refundable application fee of 3,000 yen (600 baht) is being considered, according to several media outlets.
The new regulation will be applied to visitors from 71 visa-exempt countries. Currently, Thai travellers can visit Japan visa-free for 15 days as Japan woos international arrivals to boost tourism and the economy.
Normally, visitors from visa-exempt countries can apply online for a free immigration QR code or fill in an immigration card once they arrive at Japanese ports or airports. That will change when Jesta takes effect.
“Without a valid Jesta Japan approval, boarding a flight to Japan could be denied,” Japanese media stated.
The new rule is aimed at ensuring security in the country and tackling people overstaying and illegally working in Japan. Foreign residents in Japan will be exempt from the change.
The Japanese government needs to secure approval from Parliament in a bill to revise the Immigration Control Law to clear the way for Jesta to be introduced.
The government will approve the bill “soon” so that it would be in time for lawmakers to consider it in the present parliamentary session, Japan Times reported on Wednesday.
The planned bill also requires airlines and shipping firms to submit passenger information to the Japanese Immigration Services Agency and passengers will not be allowed to board a plane or ship if their Jesta is rejected, Japanese media added.
Japan received 38 million short-term travellers in 2025, about 80% of them from visa-free countries, according to Japan Times.
Japan follows other countries such as the United States for visitors to adopt immigration approval from the electronic system. Last month, Singapore also started asking travellers to obtain an e-arrival card first and airlines are ordered to prohibit passengers rejected by Singapore to fly to the island state.
AloJapan.com