Latest news with #ElectronicSystemforTravelAuthorisation
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
Japan to launch prescreening for visa-free visitors in 2028
JAPAN will implement a prescreening system in 2028 for visa-free travellers before their arrival, as part of efforts to boost tourism. The prescreening system will be modelled on the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), according to Japan's Ministry of Justice, Kyodo News reported. The ESTA system was introduced in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Other countries, such as Canada, have also adopted similar systems modelled after ESTA. Travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan will be required to submit personal and travel information — including their name, purpose of stay, and destinations — at least several days before arrival. With this system, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will be able to assess the data provided in advance. Visa-exempt travellers may be denied boarding for flights to Japan if they are found to have criminal records or have stayed in Japan illegally. The agency is also considering measures to improve the efficiency of the prescreening process, with a focus on digital technology and the elimination of 'in-person procedures', as quoted. Japan's Foreign Ministry states that citizens of 71 countries, including the United States and South Korea, are currently exempt from obtaining visas for short-term stays in Japan. In 2024, Japan recorded 36.87 million foreign tourists, marking a 47.1% increase compared to the previous year. The Japanese government is targeting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- The Sun
Japan to implement prescreening for visa-exempted travellers in 2028
JAPAN will implement a prescreening system in 2028 for visa-free travellers before their arrival, as part of efforts to boost tourism. The prescreening system will be modelled on the United States' Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA), according to Japan's Ministry of Justice, Kyodo News reported. The ESTA system was introduced in 2001 following the September 11 terrorist attacks. Other countries, such as Canada, have also adopted similar systems modelled after ESTA. Travellers from countries with visa exemptions for short-term stays in Japan will be required to submit personal and travel information — including their name, purpose of stay, and destinations — at least several days before arrival. With this system, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan will be able to assess the data provided in advance. Visa-exempt travellers may be denied boarding for flights to Japan if they are found to have criminal records or have stayed in Japan illegally. The agency is also considering measures to improve the efficiency of the prescreening process, with a focus on digital technology and the elimination of 'in-person procedures', as quoted. Japan's Foreign Ministry states that citizens of 71 countries, including the United States and South Korea, are currently exempt from obtaining visas for short-term stays in Japan. In 2024, Japan recorded 36.87 million foreign tourists, marking a 47.1% increase compared to the previous year. The Japanese government is targeting 60 million foreign visitors by 2030.
Straits Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
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 Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Independent
02-05-2025
- The Independent
Ghost booking: The tactic travellers are using to ease US border control fears
Travellers are using a new tactic to ease anxiety at US border control – 'ghost booking' – after a series of arrests for alleged visa violations, including insufficient proof of accommodation. On 18 March, two German teenagers were denied entry to Hawaii and detained by border officers who called their trip 'suspicious'. Upon arriving in Honolulu, Charlotte Pohl and Maria Lepère were allegedly denied entry into the US despite holding the required Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). According to Beat of Hawaii, border officials flagged potential illegal work intentions and detained the teens after learning they had not fully booked their accommodation. Pohl said: 'They found it suspicious that we hadn't fully booked our accommodations for the entire five weeks in Hawaii.' As the Trump administration cracks down on immigration, what is ghost booking? And why are people using it for a more seamless stateside travel experience? What is 'ghost booking'? A "ghost booking" is when a traveller makes a reservation for a hotel room, flight, cruise or campsite with no intention of showing up. Rooms, seats, cabins or pitches are then either cancelled for a full refund or sit empty despite being booked. Why are travellers making ghost bookings? Many countries require proof of accommodation to enter as part of the visa application process or at their borders. In the US specifically, British travellers need to have a valid passport and either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa to enter or transit through. The US immigration process does not, by law, require travellers to show proof of a hotel booking at the border. However, demonstrating you have accommodation arrangements is generally expected, and visitor visas may ask for proof of this as part of an application. It is wise to have a hotel confirmation on hand, at least for your first night, as well as onward travel plans and relevant finances to prevent questioning and possible deportation by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. Border control can be particularly suspicious of backpackers travelling with no forward itinerary or onward ticket. By making a refundable ghost booking for a flight or hotel, those travelling with an uncertain itinerary are more prepared to disclose their travel plans if pushed by immigration control. Do ghost bookings make border crossings easier? According to travel expert The Points Guy (Brian Kelly), travellers must have an itinerary planned at all times for an 'uneventful' entry or exit between borders – even if it means making refundable bookings that won't be used. In an Instagram video last week, he said: 'It is very easy to make refundable lodging reservations so I highly recommend that to anyone travelling to have that because whenever you enter a country they want to know that you have enough money so that you're not gonna be a drain on societal resources and you've got a ticket home that's within your tourist visa.' Brian advised jet setters to always have a PDF file or printed-out reservations of their flight leaving the country and accommodation during the stay. When else do people 'no show' a room reservation? At attractions such as theme parks, hotel guests often benefit from perks unaccessible to a day visitor. Ghost booking is common at Universal Orlando Premier in order to obtain the complimentary Universal Express Pass – this allows guests to skip lines for participating rides in Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. In other cases, people have made unused reservations on rental platforms such as Airbnb as donations to local hosts in areas experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Are there any downsides? Yes. Many accommodation providers who offer fee-free cancellation are already extremely concerned about the high number of bookings that are cancelled at the last moment. There are accounts of travellers making multiple free-cancellation reservations for different properties on the same nights, deciding much later which to take up – and cancelling the remainder. Simon Calder, travel correspondent of The Independent, said: 'These guests want a convenient menu of accommodation to choose from, at no risk to themselves. I deplore the practice, because it harms the finances of the proprietor and prevents other, well-intentioned travellers from being able to book. 'This is a different form of 'ghost booking' to those made for crossing borders: at least the guest intends to stay in one of the properties. 'For a leading travel media figure to 'highly recommend' the practice of making spoof bookings just for an easier ride through the US border is, to say the least, questionable.'
CNA
30-04-2025
- CNA
Commentary: How concerned should Singapore travellers be about increased scrutiny at US borders?
SINGAPORE: My visit to the United States in early April was rather remarkable, on account of how unremarkable it was. With the surge in reports of visitors being detained at the border for seemingly minor infractions, and numerous countries issuing travel advisories for the United States, some consternation would be understandable. Family members urged me to postpone my trip, friends joked 'Nice knowing you,' and there was an overwhelming sense that visiting the US under current circumstances was unwise. But on arrival at San Francisco International Airport, I spent more time waiting for my bag than I did clearing immigration. While I could certainly sense the anxiety among my fellow travellers, for me it was a non-event. Of course, my anecdotal experience does not prove or disprove anything, and given the current political climate, it's safe to say that travelling to the US now is unlike any point in history. The number of foreign visitors to the US fell by almost 12 per cent year-on-year in March, and Oxford Economics is projecting a 9.4 per cent decline in arrivals for 2025. If you're planning a trip to the US, here are a few things that could make it less stressful. WHAT TO DO BEFORE DEPARTURE Singaporeans do not need a visa to visit the US for business or leisure, but they must apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). An ESTA costs US$21 and is valid for multiple entries over two years or until one's passport expires, whichever comes first. While most of the application questions are straightforward, concerns often arise around the Social Media section, where applicants are asked to provide their usernames on Facebook, LinkedIn and other platforms for vetting purposes. This is not a new requirement, having been introduced under the Obama administration in 2016, and completing it is optional. In my personal experience, skipping the Social Media section has not led to any issues with approval. When packing, it is important to bring documents that support your purpose of travel. If you are travelling for leisure, have your hotel bookings, rental car confirmations and return flight tickets handy as evidence. Business travellers should be prepared to show proof of full-time employment outside of the US, which can come in the form of a HR letter. Do not bring resumes, academic transcripts or other materials which could give the impression that you are looking for a job in the US. Inspect your digital footprint to ensure there is no information that could be misconstrued. According to a New York Times report, something as innocuous as an 'Open to Work' status on LinkedIn could be used as proof that you intend to seek employment in the United States. WHAT TO EXPECT ON ARRIVAL An ESTA does not guarantee entry into the United States – Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry make the final call. CBP officers are trained to assess whether travellers intend to overstay, and it is normal for them to ask about your ties to your home country. Common questions include the purpose of your visit, intended stay duration, who you know in the US and what your job is back home. The questions may feel invasive, but the best course of action is to answer truthfully, in as few words as possible. CBP officers are not known for having the best sense of humour, regardless of administration, and they have wide discretion. A confrontational or dismissive attitude can escalate a routine interview into a more serious issue. If English is not your first language, you can request for a translator to ensure your responses are not misunderstood. One common pitfall is using the terms 'work' and 'business' interchangeably. While it may seem quite natural to say 'I'm here for work' when on a business trip, doing so may raise red flags. 'Business' refers to short-term activities that do not involve gainful US employment, such as attending meetings or conferences, negotiating contracts, meeting clients or suppliers, and exploring investment opportunities. 'Work', on the other hand, refers to performing services for a US company or client. Digital nomads need to be especially careful, as conducting remote work in the US, even for a non-US based client, may be treated as unauthorised employment and land you in trouble. If a CBP officer has reason to suspect you are not being truthful, you may be flagged for secondary screening. If this happens, remain calm. Secondary screening does not automatically mean your entry will be rejected, though you will have to answer additional questions or provide more supporting documentation. PROGRAMMES THAT EXPEDITE IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE One reason I felt more comfortable travelling to the United States was the fact I had Global Entry, a programme that allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers to enjoy expedited immigration clearance. Singaporeans have been eligible for Global Entry since 2016. Application requires a US$120 fee and an interview, and if approved, membership is valid for five years. On arrival, Global Entry members clear immigration at an electronic kiosk, minimising the need to interact with a CPB official. However, CPB officials reserve the right to question all visitors. Global Entry also does not overwrite other entry requirements - for instance, if you intend to work in the US, the relevant visa is required. Alternatively, the Preclearance programme allows passengers to complete US immigration and customs screening at the airport of departure, rather than upon arrival. Flights then land in the US as domestic flights, with no further immigration or customs checks. The main advantage is peace of mind – passengers know before boarding whether they have been cleared for entry into the US. If entry is denied, travellers remain outside US territory, removing the risk of being sent to an immigration detention centre. Currently, US Preclearance is available at 15 airports across Canada, the Caribbean, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates. For travellers from Singapore, the most natural transit point would be the Preclearance location in Abu Dhabi, when flying with Etihad Airways. STILL WORTH THE VISIT? With all the heightened scrutiny and horror stories, many may wonder whether a visit to 'Fortress America' is still worth it. There's no denying that a trip to the US now requires a greater degree of preparation and situational awareness. But it's also true that the typical visitor still clears immigration without incident, and the experience is largely routine, if not exactly welcoming. Of course, there are many other destinations that Singaporeans can visit which don't involve quite the same degree of stress. If that's what you're after, then it might be time to explore them.
