Japan to Launch Pre-Arrival Screening for Visa-Free Travellers by 2028

Planning a future Japan trip? Whether you’re eyeing cherry blossom season in 2029 or that dream ski trip to Hokkaido, there’s one upcoming change you’ll want to note: Even if you’re from a visa-free country, you’ll soon need to register before flying.

Starting from fiscal year 2028, Japan will roll out a new pre-arrival screening system for visa-exempt travellers, which includes countries like Singapore, the US, and South Korea.

This system, inspired by the US’ ESTA and similar programs in the EU and Canada, will require short-term visitors to submit their travel details online a few days before flying. It’s part of Japan’s effort to streamline border processes while keeping tourism smooth and secure.

Also read: How to Ride the Shinkansen in Japan: 8 Hacks Every Traveller Should Know

Why this matters now

Japan’s tourism is booming — 36.87 million visitors in 2024, and a target of 60 million by 2030. To prepare for that growing number of arrivals, immigration processes are getting a digital upgrade.

So if Japan is on your bucket list in the next few years, it’s worth staying updated on what you’ll need before arriving at the airport.

Also read: Souvenirs to Buy in Tokyo: Sweet Snacks Worth Bringing Home From Japan

Who needs to apply and what info will be required?

If you’re from one of 71 visa-exempt countries, including Singapore, you’ll soon need to register your trip online before boarding. This includes:

• Your full name

• Reason for visit

• Accommodation or itinerary details

• Possibly your flight info and trip duration

Immigration officials will screen this info ahead of time, and if there are red flags (e.g. past overstays or criminal records), you may be denied boarding before even reaching Japan.

What this means for trip planning

This doesn’t mean Japan is becoming less tourist-friendly, just that travellers will need to do a little more planning upfront. Think of it like online check-in: fast, digital, and something you’ll only need to do once per trip (or possibly once every few years, depending on how long the authorisation lasts).

While fees and validity periods haven’t been confirmed, similar systems (like ESTA) charge a small fee and are valid for multiple entries within a few years.

How to stay prepared

So, what does all this mean for your future Japan trips? Not much will change, except that you’ll want to remember this extra step when the time comes. As we get closer to 2028, watch out for official announcements from Japan’s Immigration Agency about when the new system goes live.

When bookings open for your dream trip, just make sure that “pre-arrival registration” is on your travel checklist. The magic of Japan isn’t going anywhere; just be a little more prepared before takeoff.

Also read: Exploring Japan: 9 Easy Day Trips from Tokyo

Final takeaway

Japan’s upcoming screening system is part of a global shift towards smarter, more secure travel. While it adds a new step to the process, it’s designed to keep things smooth and efficient — so you can spend less time at immigration, and more time enjoying your trip.