Japan | Announced a New Plan to Facilitate Access for International Visitors

The Government of Japan announced a new plan to facilitate access for international visitors as the country is aggressively pursuing a strategy to boost tourism to 60 million annual visitors by 2030, following a record 42.7 million in 2025.

To facilitate this while managing infrastructure strain, Japanese authorities are implementing a mix of technological, financial, and logistical changes,including streamlining entry procedures, reduce congestion at the airports, using AI for crowd control, promoting regional travel and waiving the requirement of face – face meetings for visitors with immigration officials.

The Immigration Services Agency explained that the new system will be based on information collected through an online platform called Japan’s Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Jesta), similar to the U.S. ESTA, travellers from 70+ visa - exempt countries will be required to submit personal, trip, and accommodation details online before departure.and is expected to start operating in fiscal year 2028.

As a requirement, visitors will need to pre - register the purpose of their trip. Immigration authorities will review applications in advance to identify potential overstayers, with the ability to deny boarding before they travel.

The use of integrated kiosks that simultaneously process fingerprints, and photographs to reduce immigration congestion have already installed at Fukuoka, Haneda, Kansai, and Narita airports, and will expand beyond current locations.

Travellers without issues will pass through automated gates, speeding up entry and reducing the need for face – to face checks.

The plan also includes strategies to encourage travel beyond the “Golden Route” (Tokyo - Kyoto) to alleviate crowding, including digital signage, off - airport baggage handling, and potential regional travel incentives.

In addition the Japanese Government is shifting toward “smart tourism” by enhancing digital services including potential AI - driven systems to manage crowds and improve visitor experience.

Finally, according to Japan’s Kyodo news agency, the government plans to introduce a bill to amend the Immigration Control Law during the current session of parliament to establish the legal framework for the system.  

Link

https://infoturlatam.com/gobierno-japones-intenta-facilitar-acceso-a-turistas-internacionales/