From 2028, when Koreans visit Japan for short-term stays such as tourism and business trips, passpor..

Introduction of JESTA in 2028 Including visa-exempt countries such as N Korea

사진 확대 Travelers check in for flights to Osaka, Japan at the departure hall of Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. [Reporter Kim Hoyoung]

From 2028, when Koreans visit Japan for short-term stays such as tourism and business trips, passport information, purpose of stay, and place of stay will have to be reported online and reviewed in advance by the Japanese authorities. Only after passing the screening and electronic certification will it be possible to board an aircraft to Japan, and a separate fee will be paid in the process.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei), the Japanese government voted on an amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act at a Cabinet meeting on the 10th. The core of the amendment is the introduction of an electronic flight certification system (JESTA), which is similar to the US Electronic Travel Permit System (ESTA).

JESTA targets short-term stay-at-home arrivals from visa-exempt countries and regions. South Korea is also included in Japan’s visa waiver list, so if the system is implemented, it is highly likely that Korean travelers will also have to undergo a preliminary examination. The Japanese government also plans to include some foreigners who temporarily enter Japan to transfer planes.

Once the system is introduced, those who wish to enter Japan must submit relevant information online before leaving the country. Based on this, the Japanese authorities conduct a preliminary examination and grant electronic authentication if they judge that there is no problem. Conversely, failure to be certified may result in a refusal to board an aircraft to Japan. Transportation businesses such as airlines must check in advance whether passengers have completed authentication.

Application fees are also expected to be charged. The Japanese government plans to charge a certain level of fee to JESTA applicants by referring to the fact that ESTA receives a $40 fee.

The revision also included a significant increase in the upper limit of the qualification renewal fee for foreigners staying for a long time. The revised upper limit is 300,000 yen for permanent residence permits and 100,000 yen for other residence qualifications. The actual amount charged will be set within this range. Currently, the renewal fee is around 6,000 yen.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government also voted to revise the Passport Act, which includes lowering the passport application fee for its citizens, NHK reported. The amendment included lowering the 10-year passport application fee for adults from 16,000 yen (about 150,000 won) to 9,000 yen (about 84,000 won). From July, Japan plans to raise the so-called “exit tax” imposed on everyone when leaving the country. In response, the Japanese government decided to lower the passport application fee in order to reduce the tax burden on its citizens and increase the passport retention rate.