Many Europeans, Americans, and others can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. That is about to get a new step. Japan has legislated an online pre-screening system called JESTA, modelled on the US ESTA. But as of November 2026 it does not exist yet.
What is confirmed
- 10 March 2026: the Cabinet approved a bill amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, including the creation of JESTA.
- 29 May 2026: the Diet enacted the law.
- Scope: visa-exempt visitors on short stays, including tourists. Travellers fill in an online form before departure, and the authorities can approve the trip or advise applying for a regular visa.
- Timing: a later government plan targets introduction by the end of fiscal year 2028 (March 2029). The law requires the main provisions to take effect no later than 31 March 2029.
What is not known
Reporting on a possible fee of about 3,000 yen exists, but the amount, the validity period, the application website, the final start date, and the list of eligible countries had not been published at the time of writing. Treat any number you see as unconfirmed.
What it is not
| Service | What it is | Status |
|---|---|---|
| JESTA | Pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt visitors | Planned, not live |
| Visit Japan Web | Online arrival procedures (immigration, customs) | Available now |
| eVisa | Visa application for those who need one | Available now |
Visa fees for people who do need a visa were also reported to rise on 1 July 2026. That does not change the visa-free rules.
The scam angle
Whenever a new travel authorisation is announced, copycat sites appear, charging a fee for a form that is free or does not exist yet. For JESTA the rule is simple: no official site exists, so anything asking for payment today is not legitimate. Be as cautious as you would with the fake delivery texts that circulate in Japan: unexpected urgency plus a payment request is the warning sign.
What to do now
- Nothing, for a 2027 trip. Use your passport and the current rules.
- Bookmark official government sources and check them before travelling in 2028 or later.
- Warn friends and family. The most likely harm is someone paying a fake site.
- Keep your passport valid for your travel dates, as always.
Sources
- VisasNews: Japan's Parliament passes law paving the way for JESTA
- GoAsia: Japan's new immigration plan sets 2028 target for travel authorization
- Impress Travel Watch: Cabinet approves bill to establish JESTA
Information as of November 6, 2026. Dates and details may change; rely on official government announcements for travel decisions.