Planning a trip to Japan? Here’s something important you need to know about.
Japan is changing how tourists enter the country, and if you’re from one of 74 visa-exempt countries like the United States, Canada, UK, Australia, or Singapore, these changes will affect you directly.
The good news? You still won’t need a visa. The catch? You’ll soon need to get online approval before your trip, just like visiting the US with ESTA.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about these changes, including the new JESTA system that’s coming by March 2029. 😊
1. The Current Situation (What You Need to Know Right Now)
a. Good News for 2025-2028 Travelers
If you’re planning to visit Japan anytime before early 2029, you can relax. Nothing has changed yet.
You can still hop on a plane with just your passport if you’re from a visa-exempt country. No pre-approval needed, no extra paperwork, no new fees.
b. Which Countries Get Visa-Free Entry?
74 countries and regions currently enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for short stays. Here’s what you get:
90-day stays:
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom
- Australia, New Zealand
- Most EU countries
- Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia
- And many more
30-day stays:
- Brunei, Qatar
15-day stays:
- Thailand, Indonesia
c. Recent Additions to the Visa-Free List
Japan has been expanding its visa waiver program recently. If you’re from these countries with an ePassport, you’re now in:
- Paraguay (since June 2025)
- Peru (since July 2025)
- Montenegro (since September 2025)
Trust me, this is worth celebrating if you’re from these countries. No more embassy visits!
2. What’s JESTA and Why Should You Care?
a. JESTA in Simple Terms
Think of JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) as Japan’s version of the US ESTA system. Starting by March 31, 2029, you’ll need to apply online and get approval before traveling to Japan.
Here’s the part most travelers miss: this isn’t a visa. It’s just a quick online check to make sure you’re good to go.
b. Why Japan is Doing This
Japan’s Minister of Justice, Keisuke Suzuki, officially announced JESTA in May 2025. The reasons are pretty straightforward:
- Security screening before travelers arrive
- Reducing illegal overstays (currently about 28,000 people from visa-free countries)
- Managing tourist crowds better (Japan wants 60 million visitors by 2030!)
- Joining other countries that already do this (US, Canada, Australia, and soon the EU)
c. Who Needs JESTA?
If you currently enter Japan without a visa, you’ll need JESTA. Simple as that.
This includes tourists, business travelers, people visiting family, or anyone staying up to 90 days from those 74 visa-exempt countries.
3. How JESTA Will Work (Based on What We Know)
a. The Application Process
While final details are still being worked out, here’s what to expect:
- Apply online through an official government website
- Fill in your details: passport info, travel dates, where you’re staying
- Answer security questions (similar to ESTA)
- Pay a fee (expected to be around $10-20)
- Get approval (usually within minutes or hours)
b. Important Things to Remember
Validity period: Your JESTA will likely be valid for 2-3 years or until your passport expires. So if you visit Japan multiple times, you won’t need to reapply each trip.
When to apply: Just like with ESTA, apply at least 72 hours before your flight. But here’s my advice: do it as soon as you start planning your trip.
Airlines will check: Without JESTA approval, airlines won’t let you board. Period.
c. What Happens If You’re Flagged?
Sometimes applications get flagged for various reasons:
- Previous visa violations
- Criminal record
- Unclear travel plans
- Security concerns
Don’t panic if this happens. You’ll just need to apply for a regular visa at the Japanese embassy instead.
4. Timeline: When Things Change
a. Right Now Through 2028
Business as usual! Enter Japan with just your passport if you’re from a visa-exempt country.
b. Key Dates to Watch
- 2025-2026: System development begins
- 2026-2027: JESTA website and infrastructure built
- Early 2028: Possible pilot testing
- Mid-Late 2028: Official JESTA website launches
- By March 31, 2029: JESTA becomes mandatory
Mark your calendar if you’re planning trips around these dates!
5. Japan’s eVisa System (Different from JESTA!)
a. What’s the eVisa?
Here’s where people get confused. Japan already has an eVisa system, but it’s completely different from JESTA.
The eVisa is for people who need a visa (like travelers from China, India, or the Philippines). It lets them apply online instead of visiting an embassy.
b. Who Can Use eVisa Now?
As of October 2025, you can apply for an eVisa if you’re from these places:
- Cambodia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
- China (through travel agencies)
- Various Asian countries – India, Philippines, Mongolia, Vietnam (through approved agencies)
Remember: eVisa is only for single-entry tourist visas up to 90 days. Business trips still need traditional visas.
6. Practical Tips for Future Travel
a. For Your Next Trip (Before JESTA)
- Enjoy the simplicity while it lasts
- Use Visit Japan Web for faster immigration (it’s optional but helpful)
- Check your passport is valid for your entire stay
- Keep an eye on JESTA news starting in 2027
b. Once JESTA Launches
Do this first:
- Use ONLY the official government website (watch out for scam sites!)
- Apply for JESTA before booking non-refundable flights
- Double-check all your information matches your passport exactly
- Save your approval number
Common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t wait until the last minute
- Don’t use third-party websites charging extra fees
- Don’t assume kids are exempt (they’ll likely need JESTA too)
c. For Families and Groups
Each person needs their own JESTA, including children. Parents can probably apply on behalf of kids, but everyone needs individual approval.
Budget for the fee per person when planning family trips.
7. The Bottom Line: What This Means for You
a. Short-Term Impact
Once JESTA starts, you’ll have:
- One extra step before traveling
- A small fee to pay (likely $10-20)
- Less spontaneity for last-minute trips
b. Long-Term Benefits
But here’s the silver lining:
- Faster immigration once you arrive
- Better security for everyone
- Valid for multiple trips over 2-3 years
- Similar to systems you might already know (ESTA, eTA)
c. Stay Informed
The best source for updates? Check these official sites:
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA)
- Your country’s Japanese embassy website
8. Final Thoughts
Look, change is never convenient, especially when it comes to travel. But JESTA is Japan joining what’s becoming the global standard.
The key is being prepared. Start checking for updates in 2027, and when JESTA launches, treat it like booking your flight. Just another box to tick before your amazing Japan adventure.
Japan is still incredibly welcoming to tourists. They’re just asking you to fill out a form online first. In exchange, you’ll likely get through immigration faster once you land.
Remember: You’ve got until early 2029 before anything changes. So if you’ve been dreaming about that Japan trip, maybe now’s the perfect time to go while entry is still super simple.
Safe travels, and see you in Japan!
