Japan’s Revolutionary Jesta System Set To Transform International Travel With New Entry Fee And Streamlined Application Process Starting In 2028

Published on December 26, 2025

Japan is preparing to implement the Jesta travel authorization system in 2028, requiring tourists from 71 visa-free countries to apply online and pay a small entry fee. This move aims to improve border security, streamline arrival procedures, and better manage the rising number of international visitors. By pre-screening travelers before departure, Japan plans to enhance safety while minimizing congestion at airports. The additional fee, while modest, will help fund emergency support for tourists, particularly in the event of natural disasters, reflecting the country’s commitment to a smoother, more secure travel experience.

Japan is exploring the introduction of a new entry fee for foreign visitors as part of a broader overhaul of its travel authorization system. This move is expected to affect travelers from 71 visa-free countries, and details about the potential costs have now come to light for the first time.

Sources close to the matter indicate that the Japanese government is contemplating an entry fee between 2,000 and 3,000 yen, roughly translating to €13 to €20 per traveler. The proposed charge would be part of a new electronic system, Jesta (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which will require travelers to pre-register online before their visit. This system, set to launch in fiscal year 2028, will apply to tourists from nations that currently enjoy visa-free entry to Japan, including countries like Germany.

How the Jesta System Will Impact Travelers

Jesta is intended to operate in a manner similar to the United States’ ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) and the European Union’s forthcoming ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System). Under the new system, travelers who are not required to obtain a visa will need to submit an online application and receive approval before boarding their flight. This electronic travel authorization will replace the current digital arrival cards used by foreign visitors.

The purpose of Jesta is to enhance security by pre-screening passengers before they travel. By implementing this system, Japan aims to identify potential risks earlier in the process, improving overall safety and efficiency. Additionally, the new system is expected to help with managing the increasing number of international tourists visiting Japan, which surpassed 40 million in 2025.

Balancing Security and Streamlining Travel

One of the key benefits of Jesta is the potential to streamline the entry process at airports and other points of entry. By completing the travel authorization online in advance, travelers will likely experience shorter queues at border control, making the arrival process smoother and quicker, especially during peak travel periods.

Although the entry fee has not been formally confirmed, it is expected to be in line with other international travel authorization systems. For comparison, the United States’ ESTA and Canada’s eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) cost between €5 and €30, depending on the country and the length of validity. Thus, Japan’s proposed fee would place it in the mid-range among similar systems worldwide.

Supporting Visitors During Emergencies

The revenue generated from the Jesta fee will be allocated toward supporting foreign visitors in emergencies, such as natural disasters. Japan is a country that regularly experiences natural hazards like earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, and providing timely assistance and clear communication for tourists during such events is crucial. The fee’s potential role in emergency preparedness and support adds a layer of practicality to the system, ensuring that visitors are well-informed and assisted during challenging situations.

A Modest Addition to the Cost of Visiting Japan

For travelers, the proposed fee represents a relatively minor added cost, especially when considering Japan’s immense popularity and the value it offers as a travel destination. Despite the slight increase in costs, the country’s status as a top global destination ensures that demand will likely remain high, driven by its rich culture, cuisine, and historical attractions.

Japan’s tourism sector has experienced substantial growth in recent years, fueled by a weak yen, expanded air routes, and strong interest in cultural and seasonal experiences. Cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka have seen a rise in the number of visitors, creating challenges related to crowd management and sustainability. The introduction of Jesta, along with its associated entry fee, signals a shift in how Japan is managing its booming tourism sector. The system reflects global trends, moving Japan closer to practices already in place in other major travel hubs.

Looking Toward 2028

If Jesta is implemented as planned in 2028, it will be one of the most significant changes to Japan’s entry requirements in decades. While the exact details of the system are still being refined, it is clear that travelers will need to prepare for an online application process and a modest fee when planning trips to the country in the future.

Japan’s push to streamline its travel process while balancing security concerns, crowd management, and the growth of tourism is a response to the challenges that come with an influx of international visitors. As the country moves toward implementing this system, both the Japanese government and foreign tourists will likely see a more organized and secure approach to managing travel in the coming years.