Visit Japan: Time to Plan Ahead for the JESTA Upgrade!
Sophia Wasylinko
When you visit Japan, it is a fantastic experience that millions of people take advantage of every year, especially with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted. However, new changes will affect people traveling from visa-exempt countries.
We’ll go through what these upgrades entail, the reasons for their implementation, and how you can navigate them while still enjoying your stay. Here’s everything you need to know about JESTA before you visit Japan.
What are the current travel guidelines?
As of 2025, 72 countries do not require a visa for short-term stays in Japan. Of these, 68 countries—including the United States and Canada—allow visits for up to 90 days. Some travelers are also exempt if they have an APEC Business Travel Card, a United Nations laissez-passer, an Interpol Passport, most diplomatic passports, or additional passports from visa-exempt countries.
Travelers who do not qualify for visa exemption, such as Chinese and Russian tourists, must get a visa from a Japanese diplomatic mission. They need to prepare specific documents. If invited to Japan, their host must also provide documents. The mission may ask for an interview or more paperwork.If they get the visa, they must enter Japan within three months.
What are the upcoming changes?
The Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) launches in 2028 and will be fully implemented by 2030. Visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply for it to gain online clearance to enter Japan. They must submit details including the purpose and length of their visit and whether or not they have accommodation. The application is expected to cost 4000 JPY ($28 USD) and be valid for multiple entries over one to two years.
Japan’s new system will work like those in the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, which already use electronic travel authorizations. JESTA also introduces dual pricing, meaning tourists will pay double the entry fee for some sites and attractions compared to locals. Starting in November 2026, shopping will switch to a refund-based system.
Why have they been announced?
Japan is making these changes to reduce disorderly conduct, injuries, and deaths linked to tourism. The country also wants to manage overtourism. For example, Kyoto’s Gion District has banned tourists to protect locals and geisha. Also, in Otaru, Hokkaido, security guards now patrol due to overcrowding and misbehavior. Under JESTA, repeat offenders will have their applications denied. It will also be easier to deport troublesome visitors who are already in Japan.
JESTA’s goals go beyond safety and preservation. The system will help Japan match international standards and make travel smoother. Security checks will happen before travelers arrive, saving time and money. This will reduce wait times and lines at entry points. Authorities will also find it easier to track visitors and prevent overstays.
Are you looking for great snacks for your next trip? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers the latest Japanese snacks, sweets, drinks, candy, and noodles from Japan directly to your door!
How have people reacted to these upgrades?
JESTA’s announcement has gained a mostly positive reception. Officials hope it will reduce crimes and disturbances and make it easier to detain and deport the culprits. In general, many people are confident that the new system will make their entry into Japan much smoother compared to the delays the current process is causing.
However, not everyone agrees that these measures will be effective. Some folks worry that travelers from certain countries will be targeted based on stereotypes or the actions of one particular individual, while actual problem travelers fall through the cracks. They also fear that the additional documentation and fees will discourage other travelers. Until JESTA is fully implemented, it’s difficult to say whether it will deliver on its promises.
What should I do if I want to visit Japan?
While JESTA won’t be active for several years, there are other ways you can keep your travel record in Japan clean. Ensure your passport and other essential documents are up-to-date, even if you don’t need a visa. Pre-book your accommodation and transportation, and keep an eye on your budget (especially with the new fees).
Double-check whether there are any new tourist-related guidelines at sensitive sites or hotspots. Finally, be respectful of your surroundings and the people around you. The last thing you want is to lose the goodwill of locals and be forced to cut your trip short because of bad behavior.
Under Japan’s upcoming JESTA system, visitors from visa-exempt places will need online clearance. While some people question the system’s effectiveness in curbing unwanted behavior, others believe it will make travel easier and protect both Japanese heritage sites and residents. Hopefully, these changes will encourage people to be mindful and responsible when they visit Japan next time. Do you think these changes will work? Share your reactions in the comments.
Cited Sources
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. “Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay)“.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan. “Visa Exemption Arrangements for United Nations Laissez-Passer Holders“.
- The Guardian. “Picture prefect [sic]: Japanese city deploys guards to control unruly tourists seeking perfect shot”.
- Japan Travel. “Changes Are Coming to Tax-Free Shopping in Japan“.
Related articles
Yokozuna Promotion for Onosato, Sumo’s Rising Star
Onosato is a young sumo wrestler who has reached the highest professional sumo rank: yokozuna. Known for his strength, skill, and calm personality, Onosato has quickly become a symbol of the sport’s future. His recent promotion to yokozuna–the highest rank– marks a significant moment in his career and in sumo history. With a strong amateur...
Sega Opens Up New Shop in Shanghai!
Believe it or not, despite the massive multinational success of Sonic the Hedgehog, Super Monkey Ball, Like a Dragon, and many other major video game franchises, Sega only has one dedicated merchandise store. But now, for the first time, Sega has officially launched its first dedicated store, Sega Shop, in Shanghai!
Acai Bowl: A Look at Japan’s Newest Healthy Food Trends
Over the past year, Japan’s health food scene has been making a comeback. One throwback favorite leading the charge? The acai bowl!
Meet Doctor Yellow: The Shinkansen with a Secret Mission
In Japan, there’s a super special bright yellow train called Doctor Yellow! It races along the shinkansen tracks from Tokyo to Hakata, but it’s not your regular train. Doctor Yellow doesn’t carry passengers; it checks the tracks and wires to ensure everything is safe for the regular bullet trains. Let’s learn more about this legendary...
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building with New Surprises
Did you know there’s a government building in Tokyo that welcomes visitors to come and enjoy the view? While Tokyo has many famous observation spots like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, they often come with pricey tickets. But the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is different — it’s completely free! It’s one of the few places...