Japan introduces JESTA electronic registration system for citizens of visa-free countries

The Japanese government plans to introduce a new electronic system, JESTA, to register foreign nationals who do not require a visa to enter the country. This innovation will replace digital arrival cards, which are currently filled out by travelers when crossing the Japanese border. JESTA will be similar to Europe's ETIAS and the U.S. ESTA system and is expected to launch by 2030.

The new system will affect citizens of more than 70 countries who can visit Japan without a visa, which include Germany and other European nations. The system will not affect the terms of visa-free travel and the length of stay in Japan for foreign visitors will remain the same - from 14 to 90 days, depending on nationality. However, all travelers will be required to fill out a special online JESTA form before traveling.

Japanese authorities say the new JESTA system is aimed at combating visa violations as well as improving convenience and security when registering at border checkpoints. During online registration, applicants will be required to provide details such as the purpose of travel and place of residence in advance. If, after verifying the data, the system determines that there is a risk of a visa violation, the traveler will be notified to apply for a visa to Japan.

The JESTA permit will be valid for several years, this will avoid re-registration for future visits. It is unknown at this time if any application fees will be introduced, as the system has only just been announced.

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