Japan plans to introduce JESTA for visa-free visitors

The proposed system would require travelers from 71 countries to obtain the pre-travel authorization

Japan is planning to introduce JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), a proposed system that would require visa-free visitors to obtain pre-travel approval. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced the plan in her general policy speech at the opening of the 221st session of the National Diet on February 20, 2026.

Takaichi positioned JESTA within her government's broader strategy for national security and migration management.

"We will submit a bill to establish an electronic travel authorization system 'JESTA' for short-term visitors to Japan. This will prevent the entry of foreigners who are undesirable to Japan and facilitate the entry procedures for visitors to Japan without problems."

Which countries would JESTA apply to?

If approved, JESTA would apply to nationals of the 71 countries and territories currently exempt from visa requirements for short stays in Japan, including:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay, among others.

Part of broader immigration policy

The announcement came as part of Takaichi's "Zero Illegal Immigrant Plan for the Safety and Security of the People." She emphasized that the government aims to create an "orderly and symbiotic society with foreigners" by responding firmly to problematic behavior while supporting those who follow the rules.

No specific launch date has been announced, and the bill has not yet been submitted to the National Diet.