Visa Screening for Foreign Nationals Moved Up to 2028
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On April 23, Minister of Justice Keisuke Suzuki announced during a session of the House of Representatives Committee on Judicial Affairs that the government plans to accelerate the launch of a new visa pre-screening system. The system will apply to visa-exempt foreign tourists and assess their eligibility before they travel to Japan. Officials now plan to introduce it in fiscal year 2028, moving up the original 2030 schedule.
"We intend to speed up system development and roll it out within fiscal year 2028," Suzuki said in response to a question from Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker Hideyuki Nakano. He explained that the move is meant to address the sharp increase in foreign visitors to Japan. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) House of Representatives member Hideyuki Nakano.
Tentatively named JESTA, the system will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to submit their travel details online in advance. This includes information such as the purpose of their visit and where they plan to stay, allowing authorities to screen applicants before they depart for Japan.
The name is based on ESTA, which refers to the Electronic System for Travel Authorization used by the United States. It screens travelers from visa-waiver countries before they board a flight, helping to prevent entry by individuals considered high-risk.
Minister Suzuki explained that JESTA is "designed to prevent the entry of undesirable foreign nationals, including terrorists and those likely to overstay their visas." He stressed that the system will strengthen Japan's immigration and residency controls and "streamline the immigration screening process."
Foreign nationals typically obtain visas after undergoing screening in their home countries, but Japan currently waives short-term tourist visa requirements for travelers from 71 countries and regions, including Turkey. However, there are ongoing cases where individuals enter under the guise of tourism and remain illegally. As of January 2024, out of 49,801 people illegally staying in Japan on short-term visits, over 28,000 were from visa-exempt countries.
Regarding the JESTA rollout, some lawmakers have raised concerns about delays. LDP lawmaker Akihisa Shiozaki commented, "While it can help identify high-risk travelers, implementation is taking far too long."
Author: Shimpei Okuhara, The Sankei Shimbun
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