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Everything You Need to Know About Japan’s JESTA ℹ️ 🇯🇵
Pirates, as a way to combat overtourism, Japan is planning to introduce a new travel authorization system called JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
This will apply to 71 visa-exempt countries, including the United States—so if Japan’s on your list, you might want to give this a read!
JESTA Explained
Taking a page from the U.S. and its ESTA system, Japan is rolling out its own online pre-screening system for travelers from 71 visa-exempt countries, including the United States.
Originally planned for 2030, the launch has now been accelerated in response to Japan’s tourism boom—25 million visitors in 2023, with another 11 million added on top in 2024.
Implementation: JESTA is expected to be fully introduced at some point in 2028.
Who Needs to Apply?
Once implemented, all U.S. citizens planning short-term stays (up to 90 days) in Japan for tourism, business, or transit will need to apply for JESTA.
What Information Is Required?
Applicants will need to provide:
Personal details
Passport information
Purpose of visit
Accommodation details
The Japanese Immigration Services Agency will review this information to determine eligibility.
What Happens If Denied?
If your JESTA application is denied, you’ll need to apply for a traditional visa through a Japanese embassy or consulate before traveling.
New Mount Fuji Fees
JESTA isn’t the only measure Japan is taking to tackle overtourism. For the 2025 climbing season (July–September), Mount Fuji will introduce a mandatory entry fee of 4,000 yen (approx. 27 USD) for all four main trails—double the previous amount.
Kyoto’s Tourist Tax Proposal
In Kyoto, officials have proposed an increase to the existing tourist tax to support heritage preservation and improve the management of visitor flow throughout the city.
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