What Will Happen to Korean Tourists? Japan to Charge 'Fee' for Travelers in Three Years

Japan to Introduce Electronic Travel Authorization in 2028
Fee to Be Imposed Similar to U.S. ESTA

Starting around 2028, travelers visiting Japan are expected to pay a fee for online pre-arrival registration and immigration screening.

Photo from Japanese archives. Pixabay

According to the Asahi Shimbun on the 18th, the Japanese government plans to impose a fee for the electronic travel authorization system (JESTA), which it aims to introduce in 2028, similar to the system in the United States.

JESTA is Japan’s version of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) currently implemented by the United States for foreign nationals who wish to visit for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days without a visa.

Under this system, travelers from visa waiver countries will be required to submit their name, purpose of stay, and other information online before entering Japan. The authorities will review the application, and if there are concerns such as the potential for illegal stay, permission will be denied and a visa will be required.

The fee is expected to be set at a level similar to the U.S. ESTA, which currently costs 40 dollars.