Japan to launch pre-screening of visa-free travellers in FY2028
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
A record 36.87 million foreign travellers visited Japan in 2024, up 47.1 per cent from the previous year. The government aims to increase the number to 60 million in 2030.
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
TOKYO - Japan will launch pre-arrival screening of visa-free travellers in fiscal year 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 US’ Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (Esta), 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.
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 exempt 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
