The Land of the Rising Sun has announced new entry rules. This document is no longer enough

Until now, Polish tourists travelling to Japan had to carry only a passport. A valid document allows travellers from Poland to cross the Japanese border without additional formalities and stay in the Land of the Rising Sun for up to 90 days. However, the friendly entry rules will soon be tightened. The Japanese government intends to introduce an additional control system based on the American ESTY model. Although its full implementation is planned for a few years, tests of the new solution will take place at the end of this year.

New rules for entering Japan

Is this the end of visa-free entry to Japan? Let us reassure you – Polish tourists interested in the Far East can sleep soundly. However, this does not mean that entry to the Land of the Rising Sun will be as quick and hassle-free as it has been so far. Although, according to Fly4free.pl, until now a passport was enough for tourists from Poland, in a few years the border control will be a bit more demanding. It’s all because of the JESTA system, the equivalent of the American ESTA system. This additional form of control for tourists who have not been subject to a visa requirement is to be tested in Japan at the end of 2024. The full implementation of the new regulations is planned for 2030.

What is JESTA?

JESTA, or the Japanese Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is a declaration that tourists will be able to fill out online in a matter of minutes. Although a visit to the embassy will not be necessary, it is important to obtain the necessary authorization before traveling. If we do not do it in the required time, we will not be able to check in. At the moment, it is not known what costs tourists must prepare for the new Japanese system. For filling out the American equivalent, travelers must pay an administrative fee of $20 (the equivalent of about PLN 77).