Thursday, May 22, 2025

Travelers from Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and dozens of other visa-exempt countries will soon be required to complete a pre-arrival digital screening before entering Japan, as the country prepares to roll out a new electronic travel authorization system by 2028. This move aims to enhance border security, manage rising inbound tourism, and streamline immigration procedures amid record-breaking visitor numbers. By vetting travelers in advance, Japan seeks to ensure safe, efficient, and controlled entry for short-term foreign visitors while maintaining its status as a world-leading destination.

Japan intends to implement a digital pre-arrival screening system by 2028 for visitors from visa-exempt nations, with the goal of strengthening border security and improving the efficiency of immigration processing. As inbound tourism surges to record highs, authorities are modernizing their border control infrastructure to ensure safer and more efficient visitor processing.

The proposed system will require travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries and regions to complete an online application several days before their trip. This process will involve submitting personal and travel-related information, including full names, trip purposes, and destinations within Japan. Authorities will use this data to assess potential risks and flag individuals with criminal histories or past immigration violations.

By implementing early-stage vetting, Japan intends to prevent unauthorized individuals from boarding flights bound for the country. Immigration officials will evaluate all applications before departure, reducing the burden on arrival points and strengthening border integrity.

This new screening system draws inspiration from similar mechanisms used globally, such as the United States’ Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). These digital pre-clearance models serve as front-line defense tools by filtering high-risk travelers prior to arrival. Japan’s version will offer a tailored approach, matching the nation’s evolving tourism landscape and security needs.

The system highlights Japan’s effort to maintain a careful balance between welcoming international visitors and ensuring national security.
With millions of travelers expected annually, a digital layer of control will allow officials to respond quickly and accurately to entry threats without slowing down legitimate travel. Approved visitors will receive digital authorization to board flights and proceed through entry points more efficiently.

Japan’s decision follows an unprecedented tourism rebound. Japan saw more than 10.5 million overseas visitors in the first three months of the year, with March alone setting a new record as 3.5 million international travelers entered the country.
The sharp increase is driven by favorable currency exchange rates, attractive travel experiences, and widespread promotion through digital platforms and social media.

Authorities view the pre-arrival screening system as a fundamental pillar in Japan’s strategy to support and sustain long-term tourism growth.
As more travelers arrive, the risk of illegal entry, overstays, or security incidents grows. By shifting initial checks to the pre-departure stage, Japan can control visitor flows and ensure smoother entry for law-abiding tourists.

Currently, short-term visitors from countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days. However, travelers are required to leave Japan before their authorized stay expires.
Those who require visas must apply at Japanese diplomatic missions before traveling. Regardless of visa requirements, all travelers must complete immigration and customs declarations online using the Visit Japan Web system prior to arrival.

This centralized digital portal simplifies border entry by collecting essential traveler details in advance. The planned pre-screening system will build upon this foundation by adding a security and eligibility verification process. Once implemented, it will serve as a dual-layered solution to manage both administrative and security needs.

Japan remains focused on establishing itself as a premier destination on the global tourism map.
From cultural landmarks and culinary experiences to advanced infrastructure and safety, the country offers unmatched appeal to international tourists. The surge in visitors demonstrates growing global interest, but also places pressure on existing immigration systems. The new system addresses this challenge directly by reducing in-airport delays and focusing inspections on higher-risk cases.

Authorities anticipate the program will improve operational efficiency at airports, ferry terminals, and land borders. Travelers will spend less time queuing, and immigration officers will benefit from faster clearance workflows. The digital screening also supports Japan’s wider digital transformation goals, aligning border security with the nation’s tech-driven modernization agenda.

Implementation will likely involve coordination between Japan’s immigration agencies, transportation providers, and international travel authorities. Airlines will be required to confirm that passengers possess valid travel authorizations before boarding, as part of a joint enforcement model. This shared responsibility ensures only pre-approved individuals begin their journeys.

By 2028, Japan expects to fully operationalize the system, covering all eligible travelers from visa-waiver nations. The phased rollout will include pilot programs, system testing, and public education to ensure travelers understand and comply with new entry rules. Language support, mobile-friendly interfaces, and simplified applications will further enhance usability for tourists of diverse backgrounds.

As Japan enters a new chapter of tourism expansion, authorities are prioritizing both convenience and control. The digital pre-arrival system represents a forward-looking solution designed to accommodate rising visitor numbers while preserving public safety and immigration standards.

Japan will implement a pre-arrival screening system by 2028 for travelers from Canada, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and more to boost border security and manage surging tourism through streamlined digital entry procedures.

In the years ahead, Japan will likely continue refining its travel protocols to maintain its reputation as a welcoming, safe, and well-organized destination. With the pre-screening initiative, the country takes a significant step toward future-ready border management that benefits both visitors and residents.