Japan has adopted a new five-year immigration and residency management plan that puts a proposed electronic travel authorization system, known as JESTA, on a faster timetable. The Immigration Services Agency published the second Basic Plan for Immigration Control and Residency Management on July 31, 2026.
For short-term visitors, the key point is timing: Japan has not announced an immediate change to current tourist visa or visa-waiver entry rules. The plan instead calls for the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) to be introduced by the end of fiscal year 2028.
JESTA is planned as pre-travel screening
The Immigration Services Agency describes JESTA as a system for collecting identity and travel-purpose information before departure and screening travellers in advance. Agency material says it is intended for people from visa-exempt countries and regions, including those visiting for short stays such as tourism.
The final launch date, eligible nationalities, application process and fee have not yet been published. Japan’s plan says the JESTA fee will be set appropriately, but it does not state an amount. Travellers should therefore avoid relying on unofficial application websites or paying for a supposed JESTA authorization before the government opens an official service.
No new requirement for current trips
JESTA is a future travel authorization, not Japan’s existing eVISA system. Visitors who need a visa for a short tourist stay should continue to follow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ current visa guidance. The JAPAN eVISA system remains available to eligible applicants, while visa-exempt travellers should continue to check the entry conditions that apply to their passport before booking.
The wider immigration plan also covers stronger enforcement against overstays, more digital tools for border screening, and residency-management measures for people living in Japan. Several measures, including planned My Number information-sharing from 2027 and possible reviews of permanent-residence rules, concern medium- and long-term residents rather than ordinary holidaymakers.
Anyone planning a Japan trip in 2026, 2027 or early 2028 does not need to take a new JESTA step at present. For travel closer to the planned rollout, check the Immigration Services Agency and the Japanese embassy or consulate responsible for your place of residence before departure.
Primary sources
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Japan has not announced a current JESTA application requirement. The government’s new plan targets introduction by the end of fiscal year 2028.
The Immigration Services Agency describes the planned system as pre-travel screening for people from visa-exempt countries and regions, including short-term visitors. The final scope has not yet been published.
No. JESTA is a planned travel authorization system, while JAPAN eVISA is the existing online visa route for eligible travellers who require a short-term tourist visa.
No immediate tourist visa or visa-waiver rule change was announced with the plan. Travellers should continue to use current Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Services Agency guidance.
