Japan’s JESTA: online pre-travel authorisation for visa-free visitors from fiscal 2028

Japan is a country Koreans often visit without a visa, so news that travellers may soon need authorisation before departure is hard to ignore. The system the Japanese government is preparing is called JESTA.

This guide is based on an Impress Watch article on the Japanese Cabinet decision and a GoAsia article summarising the basic plan of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Because the system has not started yet, we separate what has been decided from what has not.

What is JESTA?

JESTA is Japan’s electronic travel authorisation. Like the US ESTA, travellers submit identity details and the purpose of their visit online before boarding and receive authorisation. Once it starts, travellers without authorisation may be refused boarding.

When does it start?

On March 10, 2026 the Japanese Cabinet approved a bill amending the Immigration Control Act. The basic plan published in July 2026 then set a target of introducing JESTA in fiscal year 2028. Note that this refers to Japan’s fiscal year.

Does it apply to Korea?

JESTA targets visa-exempt short-term visitors. Korea is visa-exempt for Japan, so it is likely to be covered, but at the time we checked, the final list of countries had not been announced. The fee has not been decided either.

What changes compared with today

Today you can stay up to 90 days without a visa, register your entry details in advance on Visit Japan Web to use a QR code, and receive a passport stamp. According to the sources, after JESTA there will be one extra step before departure, while passport stamps are expected to be replaced by automated gates.

What to do now

• Prepare trips this year and next exactly as you do now
• Check your passport validity and Visit Japan Web registration
• For trips in fiscal 2028 or later, recheck whether JESTA has started
• Avoid agency sites using the JESTA name; once it starts, apply only on the official Japanese government site