Japan Sets Pre-Arrival Fee and Online Registration by 2029

The Japanese government has begun rolling out a new set of entry requirements for foreign travellers, marking a shift toward a more structured, digitally managed travel experience. Under the updated policy, travellers are now required to complete an electronic registration and pay a fee prior to arrival.

At the heart of the initiative is the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (JESTA). This newly introduced scheme requires visitors to submit their details and pay a fee of approximately US$19 (around ¥3,000) before departure.

Under the revised guidelines, travellers must apply for a short-term, single-entry visa for tourism purposes (valid for stays of up to 90 days) via the official online platform. The application process includes passport details, personal information, travel itinerary, and accommodation arrangements throughout their stay in Japan.

“Typically, it takes around five working days for Japanese missions overseas to review and issue a visa after receiving a complete application,” stated Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (JMFA). “Processing times may extend during peak periods of demand or in cases requiring additional clarification.”

Applications can be submitted up to three months before departure. While the e-visa system has been in place since December, its full implementation will be phased in gradually through to March 2029.

The policy arrives amid a significant surge in inbound tourism. In 2025 alone, Japan recorded approximately 42.7 million foreign travellers, according to official government data. The move toward digitalisation is designed to streamline arrivals while enhancing border security.

The new system introduces an added layer of pre-departure administration—though one that ultimately promises a more seamless experience upon arrival. Japanese authorities maintain that the framework is essential in managing growing visitor numbers while safeguarding national security.

Japan is not alone in this shift. Several European nations—including France, Italy, Portugal, and the United Kingdom—are also preparing to implement a comparable Entry/Exit System (EES).

According to the European Union, the EES will be introduced in phases, incorporating biometric data collection such as facial images and fingerprints. However, not all border crossings will immediately capture biometric data, and personal information may not be recorded in the system at every entry point during the initial rollout.

As global travel continues to evolve, these measures signal a broader move toward digitised borders—where convenience and control increasingly go hand in hand.