Japan's parliament has enacted a significant change to its immigration policy, requiring visa-free foreign visitors to obtain electronic travel authorisation before entering the country. This new requirement, established under the JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation), is set to take effect by March 31, 2029, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

The legislation was passed during the 221st Extraordinary Session of the Diet on May 29, 2026, and was officially promulgated on June 5, 2026, as Act No. 32 of 2026. The introduction of JESTA marks one of the most notable updates to Japan's border entry regulations in recent years, aligning the country with similar systems used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom.

Under the new framework, nationals from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access to Japan will be required to seek approval through the JESTA online system prior to their travel. This adds an essential administrative step for travellers who previously could enter Japan without any pre-arrival clearance, provided their home country had a visa-exemption agreement with Japan.

The Immigration Services Agency has indicated that the specific date for the implementation of JESTA will be determined by a Cabinet Order, with March 31, 2029, set as the final deadline. Additionally, there will be amendments regarding increased fees for changing residence status, which are expected to take effect before March 31, 2027.

As the JESTA system prepares for launch, further details regarding eligible nationalities, application procedures, and associated fees are anticipated to be released closer to the implementation date. The full text of the amended law, including a comparison of the previous and new provisions, has already been published by the Immigration Services Agency.

In a related development, Japan has also confirmed a list of 63 countries and regions whose nationals are exempt from paying visa fees when applying to visit the country. This list includes two African nations, highlighting Japan's ongoing efforts to streamline travel for foreign visitors while enhancing its border security measures.