Japan has announced plans to introduce a new travel authorization system that will impact citizens from 71 countries, including Malaysia. Under this system, travelers will need to obtain permission to enter Japan, even if they currently enjoy visa-exempt status. Countries affected include Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, South Korea, the UK, the US, and Australia.
This new initiative, according to Japan Today, aims to modernize entry procedures by requiring travelers to submit personal information online before their trip. The system is expected to be similar to the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which was introduced to enhance security and prevent illegal immigration.
Japan’s government is setting aside funds for the development of this system in the upcoming national budget, with plans to implement it by 2030.
Tourism in Japan is at a high, with over 17.7 million international visitors arriving between January and June 2024 alone. Of these, approximately 22,000 were from Malaysia, according to data from JTB Tourism Research and Consulting Co.
Once operational, the system will require visa-exempt travelers to declare their purpose of entry, duration of stay, and location of stay online before traveling. This information will be screened by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, and if any risks of overstaying or illegal activity are identified, the traveler may be denied entry and asked to apply for a formal visa instead.
The primary goal of the new authorization system is to address issues related to illegal overstays, particularly among travelers from visa-exempt countries. In 2016, Japan recorded 49,801 cases of illegal short-term visitors, with over 28,000 coming from visa-exempt nations. The new system is intended to prevent such cases by ensuring that travelers are properly screened before arriving in Japan.
Under the current system, airlines provide passenger data to Japanese authorities shortly after takeoff, which sometimes leads to unauthorized travelers reaching Japan and then facing deportation orders upon arrival. The new system aims to close this gap and reduce the number of illegal immigrants who overstay their visa-free periods, which range from 14 to 90 days depending on the country of origin.
Japan’s travel authorization system represents a significant step in modernizing its immigration processes and enhancing security, ensuring that only eligible travelers are permitted entry.
