Japan's government approved a bill to revise the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law at a cabinet meeting on March 11 and submitted it to the House of Representatives. The bill focuses on introducing the JESTA electronic travel authorization system to check visitors' eligibility to enter Japan online before travel, with implementation targeted for fiscal 2028.
The government plans to implement JESTA, requiring visa-exempt short-stay foreigners to register details such as travel purposes and accommodation. Modeled on the U.S. ESTA, the system aims to strengthen immigration controls, with airlines and carriers required to deny boarding to those not authorized.
JESTA will charge a fee, similar to ESTA's approximately ¥6,000 per application. With rising numbers of foreign travelers, the initiative seeks to streamline entry procedures while generating new revenue.
The bill also increases visa renewal and change fees for the first time in 44 years. The upper limit for such fees rises from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, and for permanent residency visas from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000. Fees will vary by stay duration and be set by cabinet order by the end of fiscal 2026.
This revision targets tighter border management and operational efficiency, with the government planning rollout in fiscal 2028.