Japan: from 2028 JESTA will be needed for those entering the country without a visa

Japan will introduce the 2028 and 2029 a new system of electronic travel authorization, called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
This is a mandatory online registration for those who can enter the country without a visa today, such as Italian citizens, and aims to make border controls more efficient.

A system similar to the U.S. ESTA

The JESTA will function similarly to theU.S. ESTA or to theCanadian eTA: Before departing, the traveler will have to fill out an online form with personal information, passport number, reason for travel and address of stay. Only once the authorization is obtained-which will be issued digitally-will it be possible to board the flight to Japan.

When it goes into effect

The Japanese government has designated the following as the launch window the end of the fiscal year 2028, that is, between April 2028 and March 2029. The goal is to introduce preventive screening of passengers from beyond 70 Visa-free countries, to ensure greater security and simplify entry procedures. The system is part of a broader modernization of tourist flows after a record increase in international visitors in recent years.

Costs and duration: what we know

The cost of the JESTA has not yet been officially determined, but it is expected to be around Between 1,500 and 4,000 yen (about 9-25 euros at current exchange rates). The authorization will have multi-year validity and will allow multiple inputs in the country without having to repeat the procedure. For tourists, however, will not change the maximum length of stay, which will remain of 90 days without a visa requirement.

No obligation for those who already have a visa

The new requirement will only affect those entering Japan without a visa for tourism or short stays. Those who already hold a valid visa, such as for study or work purposes, will not have to apply for the JESTA.

What's changing for Italian travelers

For those leaving from Italy there will be no additional restrictions, but it will be necessary an extra pass online before the flight. The procedure should be quick and easy, although the timing of approval and integration with airline systems remain to be clarified. The official portal and detailed instructions will be published in the coming years. Japan, among the most popular Asian destinations for Italians, will continue to welcome increasing numbers of tourists, and the new system will serve to better manage incoming flows.

In conclusion

With JESTA, Tokyo is following the example of several other countries that have already introduced electronic pre-authorization systems. The goal is to Strengthen pre-departure checks, reducing waiting times on arrival and improving the management of tourist flows. In this way, Japan is aligning itself with already established models such as the U.S. ESTA, l'Canadian eTA, l'British ETA and the future European ETIAS.