Japan is set to launch a new digital travel authorisation system, the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA), by 2028, marking a major change for visa-exempt visitors. The move follows recent updates expanding e-visas for travelers from the Gulf, India, South Africa, and other regions, as well as a new digital nomad permit for six-month remote stays.

Once implemented, JESTA will require travelers from 74 visa-exempt countries — including the UK, EU nations, Australia, Singapore, and much of the Gulf — to complete an online pre-travel application. Applicants will submit passport details, travel history, and other background information, and pay a small processing fee. Approved travelers will receive a multi-entry authorisation valid for up to two years, allowing stays of up to 90 days without reapplying.

Officials say the system will enhance border security, detect irregular migration, and reduce airport wait times. For tourists, this means visa-free travel will no longer be entirely frictionless.

For Gulf nationals, rules vary slightly: UAE citizens retain visa-free entry for 30 days with an ICAO-compliant ePassport, and Qataris can enter visa-free for 30 days after registering their ePassport. Citizens of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman can now apply online through Japan’s eVisa system instead of visiting an embassy. Residency in the GCC does not affect eligibility — it is determined by nationality.

JESTA is expected to take effect between April 2028 and March 2029. Although exact processing times are not yet confirmed, authorities anticipate approvals could take from several hours to a few days. Applications may be denied, and travelers without approval will not be allowed to board flights to Japan.

The new system aligns Japan with other international travel authorisation programs, such as the US ESTA and the EU ETIAS, making entry smoother for most visitors while strengthening security at the same time.