The government intends to rely on traveler data submitted through a new online pre-screening platform known as the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), which is scheduled to be introduced in fiscal 2028, Japan Times reported.
The new rules would apply primarily to travelers from countries that do not require short-stay visas. Currently, citizens of 74 countries and territories can enter Japan under visa-exempt arrangements, according to The Mainichi newspaper.
Japan recorded an all-time high of 42.7 million international visitors in 2025 and has set a target of attracting 60 million annually by 2030.
Under the proposed JESTA system, travelers would be required to submit details such as the purpose of their trip online before departure. Immigration authorities would then decide in advance whether to grant entry approval.
Individuals suspected of planning to overstay their visas could be prevented from boarding flights.
At several airports in Japan, passengers are already using a digital device called the Integrated Kiosk to complete immigration and customs procedures, including fingerprint and facial image registration.
If no issues are detected, such as a prior record of overstaying, travelers would be able to pass through automated gates and enter the country. Immigration officers would remain stationed nearby and could conduct in-person inspections if suspicious behavior is observed.
The Integrated Kiosk system is currently operating at Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Fukuoka airports, and authorities plan to extend its use to additional airports in the future.
