Japan’s Diet passed legislation establishing an electronic travel authorisation system, called JESTA, for foreign nationals who currently enter the country without a visa.

The Immigration Services Agency confirmed the law was approved at the 221st Extraordinary Session on 29 May 2026 and promulgated on 5 June 2026 as Act No. 32 of 2026.

Under JESTA, eligible travellers must obtain online clearance before departure, a process similar to pre‑travel authorisations used by the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom.

The requirement applies to nationals of countries that enjoy visa‑exemption arrangements with Japan, meaning they will need electronic approval even though a traditional visitor visa is not required.

Implementation will be triggered by a Cabinet Order, with the law setting 31 March 2029 as the deadline by which the provisions must be in force.

Further details—including the exact start date, the list of eligible nationalities, application steps and any fees—are expected to be released closer to launch, and travellers are advised to monitor official immigration announcements.

A separate amendment will raise fees for changing residence status, with that change scheduled to take effect before 31 March 2027.