Japan’s government announced on Friday the implementation of an online travel authorization system for visitors exempt from obtaining short-stay visas. This plan was part of a revised comprehensive package of measures aimed at better managing foreign personnel, adopted during a meeting of related Cabinet ministers at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The new system will require visa-waiver visitors to declare their information online, including the purpose of their stay, before entering Japan. This initiative aims to prevent illegal stays and enhance security. The Immigration Services Agency will finalize the details of the scheme, drawing inspiration from the U.S. Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is used to prevent terrorism.
Originally compiled in 2018, the comprehensive package has been revised annually. The latest update includes 218 new measures, such as supporting the development of Japanese language skills for foreigners. This is in preparation for a new on-the-job skill development program set to replace the current foreign technical intern scheme.