Japan to launch pre-screening of visa-free travellers in FY 2028
A record 36.87 million foreign travellers visited Japan in 2024, up 47.1 per cent from the previous year. PHOTO: AFP
TOKYO - Japan will launch pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers in fiscal 2028, as the government aims to boost its booming inbound tourism further, according to the Justice Ministry.
The government is looking to raise the efficiency of the process by introducing screening modelled on the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, the ministry said in April.
A record 36.87 million foreign travellers visited Japan in 2024, up 47.1 per cent from the previous year, and as tourism is a main pillar in Japan's growth strategy, the government aims to lift the number to 60 million in 2030.
Under the new system, travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan will be required to provide travel and personal information, such as their names, purposes of stay and locations, at least several days before arrival.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan will be able to examine the travellers' data in advance, and if they have any criminal history or record of illegal stays in Japan, the agency may not allow them to board planes to Japan, the ministry said.
According to the Foreign Ministry, nationals of 71 countries and regions, including the US and South Korea, are exempted from obtaining visas for short-term stays.
The US established the Esta system in 2001 following the terrorist attacks of Sept 11 that year. A number of other countries, including Canada, have since introduced similar systems. KYODO NEWS
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