Japan plans to begin prearrival screening of visa-free visitors in fiscal 2028 in an effort to further increase its rapidly increasing inbound tourism.

According to the ministry last month, the government plans to implement screening based on the US Electronic System for Travel Authorization in an effort to increase process efficiency.

The number of foreign visitors to Japan reached a record 36.87 million in 2024, up 47.1 percent from the year before. Since tourism is a key component of Japan’s economic strategy, the government wants to increase the number to 60 million by 2030.

Under the new approach, visitors from nations that are free from visa requirements for brief visits to Japan will need to submit personal and travel information, including names, destinations, and reasons for visit, at least a few days prior to arrival.

According to the government, the Japanese Immigration Services Agency will have the ability to review the tourists’ information beforehand and may refuse to let them board flights to Japan if they have a criminal record or a history of unlawful stays in the country.

The Foreign Ministry claims that citizens of 71 nations and territories, including South Korea and the United States, are not need to apply for a visa in order to enter the country for a brief visit.

In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the United States implemented the ESTA system in 2001. Since then, several other nations, including Canada, have implemented comparable systems.

The organization is thinking about using other strategies to improve screening operations, like using digital tools and doing away with in-person processes.