Netherlands Joins Norway, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Philippines, Austria, and Other Nations in a Historic Shift as Japan Unveils the Revolutionary Jesta System to Overhaul Immigration and Simplify Entry for Visa-Exempt Travelers

Written By: Ankita Sarmah

Ankita Sarmah

A passionate storyteller and aspiring journalist, Ankita Sarmah is currently pursuing a Master’s in English at DU while exploring the evolving landscape of journalism. With two years of practical experience, she has developed a strong ability to transform ideas, observations, and experiences into engaging narratives that connect with readers. Her journey combines academic knowledge with real-world reporting, allowing her to explore diverse fields such as culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and insightful perspective. Driven by curiosity and a passion for meaningful storytelling, Ankita strives to create fresh, authentic, and impactful content that informs, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression. For her, every story is more than words — it is an experience crafted to engage, connect, and resonate with audiences.

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March 9, 2026 16:55 GMT+5:30

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Netherlands joins Norway, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Philippines, Austria, and other nations in a historic shift as Japan unveils the revolutionary Jesta system to overhaul immigration and simplify entry for visa-exempt travelers. This groundbreaking move is part of Japan’s broader effort to streamline its immigration process and enhance the overall travel experience for millions of visitors. By introducing the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Jesta), the country is making significant strides toward modernizing its border control, replacing traditional face-to-face immigration checks with a digital, pre-travel screening system that will make entering Japan faster, more efficient, and more secure for travelers from exempted countries.

The Japanese government is taking significant steps to simplify and modernize its immigration process for foreign visitors. In response to the rising number of international tourists and the need to streamline entry procedures, the government has decided to eliminate the requirement for most foreign tourists to meet immigration officers face-to-face when entering the country. Instead, it will rely on an advanced, online pre-travel screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Jesta), set to launch in fiscal 2028. This move aims to reduce congestion at airports and ensure a more efficient entry process for travelers.

The Immigration Services Agency, responsible for implementing immigration procedures, explained that Jesta would allow authorities to collect necessary visitor information online before travel. This would eliminate the need for the usual in-person immigration checks, providing a faster, more convenient experience for travelers. The agency emphasized that such a system, which relies on digital screening, is relatively rare on a global scale, making Japan a leader in the modernization of immigration services.

The Japanese government plans to submit a bill to amend the immigration control law in the current Diet session. This legislation will create the necessary legal framework for the implementation of the Jesta system. Once in place, the system will apply to foreign visitors from countries and regions that are exempt from short-stay visas, which currently includes 74 nations. The proposed system would streamline the visa process for these visitors and enhance the efficiency of immigration procedures at Japan’s international airports.

Japan’s tourism industry has seen impressive growth in recent years, with the country welcoming a record 42.7 million foreign visitors in 2025. The government has set an ambitious target of attracting 60 million international tourists by 2030, and the introduction of Jesta is expected to help achieve this goal by offering a smoother, more modern immigration process. The new system will also address the challenges posed by the influx of tourists, ensuring that the country’s airports can handle the increasing volume of international travelers.

Under the Jesta system, travelers will be required to submit key information about the purpose of their trip online before departure. Immigration authorities will then review this data and decide whether to grant or deny entry permission. Those who appear to have intentions to overstay their visas will be denied boarding before their flight departs. This pre-screening system will reduce the number of travelers who arrive at Japanese airports without the necessary documentation or authorization, preventing delays and disruptions in the immigration process.

At certain airports in Japan, travelers are already experiencing digital immigration checks through a device known as the Integrated Kiosk. The Integrated Kiosk system enables travelers to have their fingerprints and photos taken, allowing both immigration and customs checks to be handled in a single process. This innovative system is already operational at major airports such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka, with plans for further expansion to additional airports across the country.

If a traveler’s data is deemed satisfactory by the pre-screening process, and no issues are flagged—such as a history of overstaying previous visas—visitors will be allowed to pass through the airport’s gate and enter the country seamlessly. This eliminates the need for in-person interviews with immigration officers unless the traveler displays suspicious activity. Immigration officers will be stationed near the gates to monitor for any irregularities, and they will have the authority to conduct face-to-face checks if necessary.

The introduction of Jesta is expected to revolutionize the way Japan handles immigration and customs checks. It will also make the process more convenient for visitors by reducing waiting times and the overall hassle of arriving at an airport. By moving towards a fully digital system, Japan aims to create a faster, more user-friendly experience that meets the needs of both travelers and immigration authorities.

The new system will also enhance security by allowing authorities to more accurately track and monitor travelers before they even board their flights. The online pre-screening process will flag any potential security risks, allowing authorities to take action before the individual reaches the airport. This proactive approach will help maintain safety at Japan’s borders, while improving the overall flow of travelers.

Japan’s airports, already equipped with the Integrated Kiosk system, are well-positioned to handle the transition to Jesta. These kiosks have been in use for several years, allowing travelers to self-process immigration and customs procedures with minimal human intervention. As the new system is rolled out in 2028, it is expected that more airports across Japan will adopt the technology, providing a consistent, efficient experience for international visitors.

Netherlands joins Norway, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Switzerland, Philippines, Austria, and other nations in a historic shift as Japan unveils the revolutionary Jesta system to overhaul immigration and simplify entry for visa-exempt travelers. This new system will streamline the immigration process, allowing travelers to submit their information digitally, reducing wait times and improving overall efficiency at Japan’s borders.

Overall, the introduction of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization is a step forward in Japan’s efforts to modernize its immigration processes. By eliminating face-to-face immigration checks and streamlining the entry process, Japan is making itself more accessible to tourists, while enhancing both convenience and security. With the anticipated rise in international visitors over the coming years, Jesta promises to be an essential part of the country’s tourism infrastructure, ensuring smooth and efficient travel for millions of people.