Japan to Introduce Pre-Travel Screening Fee and Digital Entry System for Foreign Visitors in 2028, Aimed at Enhancing Border Security and Streamlining Travel

Published on December 26, 2025

Japan, one of the world’s most sought-after tourist destinations, is set to introduce a new pre-travel screening fee for foreign visitors as part of a broader effort to modernise its entry system. While these changes, scheduled for rollout in fiscal year 2028, are designed to improve border security and immigration efficiency, they will also have significant implications for global travel, particularly for those visiting Japan from countries that currently enjoy visa-free short-term entry.

The New Pre-Travel Screening System: What’s Changing?

Starting in 2028, travellers to Japan will be required to complete an online All Japan Declaration Form, a digital entry process that consolidates health, immigration, and customs information into one easy-to-submit document. This pre-travel screening system will be mandatory for all international visitors, including those from visa-exempt countries.

The screening fee for this new system is expected to range between two thousand and three thousand yen, or roughly 13 to 20 US dollars. This fee is intended to cover the operational costs of the system, including enhanced processing, additional security measures, and the maintenance of the digital platform. For the millions of visitors who travel to Japan each year, this means an added cost to their trip, though it is relatively modest compared to the total cost of international travel.

Impact on Global Travel: What Does This Mean for Tourists?

The introduction of a pre-travel screening fee and an electronic travel authorisation system could have both short-term and long-term impacts on international tourism to Japan, as well as global travel patterns more broadly. Here’s what it could mean for travellers and the industry:

1. Streamlined and Safer Travel

One of the primary goals of the new screening system is to increase security and efficiency at Japan’s borders. By gathering detailed traveller information ahead of time, authorities can more easily identify individuals who might present security risks or who need additional scrutiny upon arrival. This proactive approach will reduce the likelihood of delays at immigration, leading to a smoother and faster travel experience for visitors.

While this will streamline entry, the digital system will also provide more accurate data to Japanese authorities about the flow of international visitors. This could have a positive effect on tourist safety, allowing officials to react quickly to potential health or security concerns.

2. Financial Implications for Tourists

For many international visitors, the introduction of a pre-travel screening fee will represent an additional cost. While the fee is relatively low, it still adds an extra expense that travellers will need to account for when budgeting their trips. For frequent visitors or those planning long stays, the cumulative cost could become significant.

Moreover, the screening fee might set a precedent for other destinations to implement similar charges, especially in the post-pandemic era where many countries are re-evaluating their tourism management strategies. Tourists may need to be prepared for the possibility of more entry-related fees in the future, especially as governments focus on improving security and reducing administrative burdens at borders.

3. A More Efficient Visitor Experience

By introducing the pre-travel screening system, Japan is aligning itself with other countries that already use digital entry systems, such as the United States (ESTA) and Canada (eTA). These systems have helped improve entry efficiency and reduce wait times at borders.

For visitors to Japan, this means faster processing times at immigration, especially during peak travel periods. Instead of waiting in long lines at the airport, travellers will be able to complete much of the required documentation digitally before they even board their flights. This shift is likely to be welcomed by tourists, particularly those who have experienced long delays at immigration counters in the past.

4. Impact on Tourism Numbers and Market Trends

The impact of this new system on tourism numbers is still to be determined. The fee could potentially discourage budget-conscious travellers from visiting Japan, especially those from countries with lower disposable incomes. However, the relatively low cost of the fee may not significantly affect the overall number of visitors, particularly from high-income countries where tourists are more accustomed to paying additional fees for visa or entry-related services.

What is more likely is that the introduction of this system will change the demographics of international visitors, with more affluent tourists choosing Japan for its ease of entry and improved security measures. However, Japan’s decision to implement a tourism levy and digital entry system may ultimately help Japan maintain its position as one of the most popular and accessible tourist destinations in Asia.

5. A Model for Future Travel Systems

Japan’s move could set a new precedent for other countries to follow, particularly as tourism numbers continue to rise globally. With countries like Australia, the United States, and many in the European Union also investing in more secure, streamlined entry systems, it is highly likely that the pre-travel screening fee model will spread to other regions.

This trend towards digitizing the immigration process and charging small, manageable fees for enhanced security could become the norm across the world, making international travel smoother and more predictable for both travellers and authorities.

A Changing Landscape for International Travel

Japan’s introduction of a pre-travel screening fee represents a significant shift in the way countries manage their borders and handle international tourism. While this move will increase the efficiency and security of entry into Japan, it also signals a broader trend towards the digitalization of travel documentation and increased charges for entry into popular destinations.

Travellers will need to adapt to these changes, ensuring they comply with new requirements and are prepared for additional costs. For the tourism industry, this could spark a wave of similar changes in countries around the world, transforming the way we approach international travel in the coming decades.

Japan’s new pre-travel screening system may have far-reaching implications, not just for Japanese tourism, but for global travel trends as a whole. As the world continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, such measures might be essential in reshaping the future of travel—making it safer, faster, and more manageable for everyone involved.